This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was definitely my favorite in the series so far. The culmination of so much, yet it's not This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was definitely my favorite in the series so far. The culmination of so much, yet it's not quite over...it it? Curran and Kate are E P I C.
I kick myself for waiting so long to read this series. I have grown to love the voice actor for the audiobooks, too!...more
I am really, really happy that I decided to read this. Isa gushed about it at Book Bash, and since
#insixwords: Beautiful story yet an uneasy read.
I am really, really happy that I decided to read this. Isa gushed about it at Book Bash, and since Tammara was signing, I said "Why the hell not?" Listening to Isa tell Tammara her feelings about the book was super special, and it pushed the book to the top of my TBR pile. This isn't my typical genre, though I love tough issue books. And it seems I am liking contemporary romance a bit more these days. Is it pregnancy hormones or just a shift in my reading preferences? Who knows, but I'm enjoying the ride...
Easy isn't an easy book. It's full of pain, terror and guilt, but it's also full of passion, healing and awakening. It has equal doses of love and horror, but that is what makes the book gripping. I read it in two sittings, though to me, it was really one. I barely dug into it in the first sitting before I had to put it down. When I picked it up the second time, I was engrossed. I halted plans to visit family until I was done. I did not want to put it down, yo!
I think one of the best things about this book is the growth in Jacqueline. At the beginning of the book, she appears to be exactly how she feels: arm candy for her now ex-boyfriend of three years, Kennedy. She didn't appear to have much self-confidence, and I could completely relate. I had a moment in early adulthood where I let a guy become "my world." I was no longer as important as he was, or our relationship. I did everything to make it work, even when the odds were clearly stacked against us. I lost a lot of myself in the process, and I'm still thankful for the day when I WOKE. UP. I feel like Jacqueline definitely goes through this kind of awakening, though her experience and situation were far different from mine. Regardless, it was the catalyst for change, and change she did.
I love the mystery behind Lucas, though I guessed his situation early on. He is the White Knight in Shinning Armor of this story, but he is hard to figure out. The only thing I was certain of was that he liked Jacqueline, in a big way. He was like her Guardian Angel. It's really hard not to fall in love with a guy who saves you from physical and emotional torment, even if he is mysterious, broody, and aloof. I had no insight about his past, and when it is revealed, Lucas' support of Jacqueline and women's safety, in general, made so much more sense. As he helps Jacqueline heal, Jacqueline returns the favor ten-fold. This particular piece of the story is the most heartfelt. It is the part that made my heart smile, though I was quite tearful through it.
Tammara is writing a book from Lucas' POV, which makes me super giddy. She states that it has some prequel bits and some Easy overlap, but it is ultimately his story.
I read a contemporary romance! Can you believe it? I mean, it isn't the first, but they are certainly few and #insixwords: The Edge of Never is steep.
I read a contemporary romance! Can you believe it? I mean, it isn't the first, but they are certainly few and far between in my world. I guess this book is considered New Adult, since it is about young adults with more adult-themes (aka, smexy time). I picked it up at Book Bash in Orlando because Isa was telling me she heard amazing things about it. Plus, the cover! *flails* That cover is beyond gorgeous.
I was happy to see that we get the POV of both Camryn and Andrew. We meet Camryn first, and for a good while, it's just her voice because we haven't met Andrew yet. But there he is, on the same bus headed to nowhere, and their paths cross in a big way. I wasn't engaged or intrigued right off the bat, but little things started to happen: emotional walls started to crumble, honesty and trust started to flow freely. It was a beautiful thing, and I found myself wanting to read it all the time. At work, at home, on my lunch break, waking up early on my day off to finish it. The story wasn't really gripping in the beginning, but those characters kept drawing me in. There was nothing majorly mesmerizing about them separately, but their time together was a whirlwind of fun, passion and awakening. Of course, the characters should be the draw, since this is a romance.
Andrew. There was no way I was closing this book with anything but love for the guy. I admit there are some things about him that raised a red flag for me, particularly his hot temper and penchant for fighting, but they quickly melt away because his live life in the now personality is so infectious. #NoDayButToday! He gets Camryn to open her eyes to life, and LIVE for the first time. To move past fears and hug the hell out of the world around her. We all need someone like Andrew in our life.
“Just remember to always be yourself and don’t be afraid to speak your mind or to dream out loud”
Andrew's personality is so infectious, in fact, that Camryn gets bit by the Andrew Parrish bug. A big fat bite right on her ass. And her inner thigh. And well, other unmentionable places, too. Of course, smexy time comes later, because Camryn is hell-bent on not feeling love ever. again. Her past experiences have left her feeling apathetic towards her future, and she is not open to any romantic notions. I honestly connected to Camryn in a big way because of this mindset. I was in her shoes once. I was over guys and being hurt. I applied to the Peace Corps and was ready to live life my own way, and BAM, Dr. Smash fell right into my lap. I think these types of love stories are the best. I love seeing that fight and struggle to resist the love and affection that you are feeling for someone. I love seeing walls come down, and hearts opening to new possibilities. It is the reason I enjoyed this book so much. I connected to it in a big way.
Now, I do have one quip about this story. These young adults, old enough to make wise decisions, did not use condoms. Naturally, being a social worker and thinking about young adults who read romance stories, this surprised me. This being my first New Adult read, I was actually expecting it. And I was certainly expecting it from Camryn, being the more careful, composed individual of the group. I guess Andrew just overloaded her brain with pheromones and hormones. Hell, he overloaded my own brain. Dude was smoking hot, in a dominant sexual way. He brought out the inner sex kitten in Camryn.
Rawr. I want MOAR.
Favorite Quote
“Never thought I’d intentionally sleep on a bathroom floor next to a toilet while sober, but I meant it when I said I would sleep anywhere with her.”...more
The ending of this series was as EPIC as it could be. Chase, Rayna and cre#insixwords: Action. Passion. Determination. Fulfillment. Protection. Chase.
The ending of this series was as EPIC as it could be. Chase, Rayna and crew might be in over their heads, but they are not standing down to the evil that is seeking to destroy their world. They are going to fight until their last breath, and Chase is going to become The Protector, come Hell or high water. This young man has grown leaps and bounds throughout this series. He has become someone who will lay his life and soul on the line to protect the innocent and free the world of evil. He has experienced a lot of tragedy, and with that comes a certain level of unease in his decision-making. However, he has a team of dedicated people who continue to remind him that casualties are a part of war, a fact they are all aware of and accept.
Chase's relationship with Rayna is delicate throughout this series. They are under high amounts of stress and continue to learn about one another. The great thing about Rayna is her honesty and passion, in the form of a slap across the face for dishonoring someone with a simple statement, or an intense look that speaks volumes. She is an incredible woman, who has dealt with a lot of crazy, and she has stood by Chase's side through it all. They started out as enemies, and once they realized they were on the same team, their curiosity and appreciation morphed into love and passion. I just love these two something fierce.
I loved the focus on Tiki in this book. He has been a character that you can't help but love, but we really learned about his past and the things he has endured, and I respect the hell of that demon. I hate to admit this, but I also didn't close this book detesting Vincent as much as I have in past books. He's still a whiny turd, but he has his moments and he's definitely a fierce warrior. I was also happy for the few Grams scenes, because that woman can bring the smiles during the most darkest moments. I love her personality, the way she gives it to you straight and doesn't take shit. She dealt with her own pain in this book, but damn if that didn't fuel her fire even more.
There was a lot of action, I mean...a lot. Shit got real and characters died. The big fight at the end is baffling. It reminded me of a Lord of the Rings epic battle scene, or something similar. It was intense, terrifying and gripping. I don't think I blinked or breathed, and I certainly didn't move from my seat until it was all over. Matt writes great action, and while there was a lot going on, I was able to stay focused and follow Chase through a maze of WTF to stand head to head with Riley and his evil entourage.
THE EPILOGUE! I think those last few pages really closed out this series for me, and I'm so thankful Matt decided to write them. It was perfect, so very perfect, for the characters and their future. Matt's writing has grown just as much as Chase's character. I am very impressed with his talent and creativity, his ability to weave such interesting and epic world-building together, and his strength for writing characters that you, the reader, will fight for.
Favorite Quote
"My point is, the biggest battle any of us has ever seen is coming, and it isn't going to be won with hunters, and witches, and werecats. Dare I add, 'oh my?'" Grams feigned a grin and lit a cigarette....more
LOVED Hopeless and Losing Hope. I think I enjoyed Holder's perspective more, but only because I already knew the story from Sky's perspective. The letLOVED Hopeless and Losing Hope. I think I enjoyed Holder's perspective more, but only because I already knew the story from Sky's perspective. The letter from Les was a beautiful way to give us insight into her life, and I'm so happy that Holder finally read it....more
This book started out iffy for me, but it became increasingly interesting. Once I guessed a certain plot line, the social worker in me could not put iThis book started out iffy for me, but it became increasingly interesting. Once I guessed a certain plot line, the social worker in me could not put it down. The love story might be a little over the top, but I absolutely love the characters and their ability to persevere. ...more
OMG! The last half of this book had my blood pressure through the roof. What a wild ride! So fascinated with this world and in love with the characterOMG! The last half of this book had my blood pressure through the roof. What a wild ride! So fascinated with this world and in love with the characters! Jackal was a standout in this book. I love a character that keeps you guessing......more
I met Rick Yancey at the Decatur Book Festival this past weekend. I’ve definitely heard about this book and read some reviews, but it was not high on I met Rick Yancey at the Decatur Book Festival this past weekend. I’ve definitely heard about this book and read some reviews, but it was not high on my priority list. That is, until I head Rick talk about this book. Let’s just say he hooked me, and hooked me good. I love his intelligent approach to an alien invasion. It seems he combined elements from post-apocalyptic and alien invasion stories and combined them in a way that makes so much sense and is ridiculously scary to think about. The world-building was just fantastic, but it is a world you need to experience firsthand. I will refrain from flailing too much about the waves of destruction the aliens perform to eradicate humans from Earth.
I inhaled this book over the weekend. The characters were interesting and spoke volumes to my heart. Cassie, our main character, has been struggling to survive on her own in a world full of terror and destruction. She cannot trust anyone at this point and appears lost and hopeless. Cassie’s fear never leaves her, but she grows over the course of the story into a young lady determined to keep a promise to her 5 year old brother, Sammy. I loved her determination, will to survive, and fierceness as she fights her way through enemy territory to retrieve her brother.
There are two boys. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I will leave out identifying information. They both have interesting backgrounds and play a large part in Cassie’s life, in very different ways. One of them is sincere, protective and mysterious, which causes some serious anxiety in Cassie. Another has left behind a care-free life to become a hard-core soldier. I have such awesome characteristics to mention about these guys, but it will surely spoil their role in the story. They are both fantastic and I really enjoyed their page time.
All in all, the book was just exciting! Learning about the different waves was terrifying and interesting, and I enjoyed how the background of the attacks was spread through out the book, as Cassie revisits life in memories, both heart-warming and terrifying. I really enjoyed the pacing, the different points of view, and the build-up to the main events at the end. The writing was strong, and I enjoyed every page!...more
Oh. Em. Squee! This book could not have been any more cute. And adorable. And delightful. It was just...FUN! Did I mention adorable? I'm not a huge reOh. Em. Squee! This book could not have been any more cute. And adorable. And delightful. It was just...FUN! Did I mention adorable? I'm not a huge reader of the genre so I was hoping and praying that I loved the story. It was all I was hoping for, and more than I expected. Maybe this is proof that I need to read more contemporaries, and thanks to Lauren, I now have a LIST to get through.
Every once in a while though, I enjoy a fun romantic romp through London. I LOVE LONDON. Love. It. Hard. Core. I was really excited for the setting, and Lauren whisked me away to some of my favorite parts of this European mecca. I love when I know a setting by firsthand experience because it doesn't happen often. It was a GREAT setting for a group of students to visit on a study abroad trip. Hey, that's what I did! It was for social work though, but learning the history of our social welfare system (we adopted the laws from there, ya know) was awesome. These kids, however, learned about ART and CULTURE and SHAKESPEARE! Yahoo!
Speaking of the characters, they were so full of awkward awesome! Julia is a quirky book nerd who wants to visit Shakespeare's home in London because it is of personal significance to her family. She was a total Type A personality who had all her maps and city guides with page tags throughout and notations in the margin. I loved being in her head and immediately adored her because of her OCD organization. Did I mention she was a book nerd? :)
I have my own e-reader, but I hardly ever use it. I need to fold down pages and flag passages with sticky notes. I need to experience books, not just read them. I never go anywhere without a book in my bag, and to travel across the ocean, I'd packed more than my fair share.
Her arch nemesis, Jason, was also on this study abroad trip, much to Julia's displeasure and loathing. Jason was a loud mouth, popular, spontaneous classmate who teased Julia until she was blue in the face with anger and annoyance. However, it was never malicious teasing. There is another guy back home that Julia is pining away for. She has random texts with her best friend back home on the "emergency only" phone provided by her teacher. She also has a text convo with a hot guy she meets her first night in London when Jason drags Miss Play-By-The-Rules out past curfew to a party with people they don't even know. The most likable quality of Jason, for me, was that he got Julia to open up and try new things. He got her out of her comfort zone and urged her to open her eyes to other beauties of the world beside literature and post-it notes.
I loved the authentic feel of these high school characters! Their antics, angst and silly decisions felt real and not contrived. I loved that Julia had this interesting concept of Meant To Be because of how perfect her parents were in her eyes. She thought the guy back home was her MTB, who makes an unforgettable appearance in London. But I think a week in London with a carefree, spontaneous boy who is full of life can really muck up your self-defined destiny. Favorite Quote
I don't use airplane bathrooms. As a rule. And I really don't like breaking rules. (It's kind of one of my rules.) I mean, if I'm going to plummet to my death, it's not going to be with my pants around my ankles.
I can't explain the FEELS I am feeling right now. This book was way more than I was expecting, and the ending threw me over the edge. It was a beautifI can't explain the FEELS I am feeling right now. This book was way more than I was expecting, and the ending threw me over the edge. It was a beautiful story about two young people from very different backgrounds and experiences who find strength and hope in their extraordinary love for one another.
Gosh. I am still reeling. I'd read it again right now if my heart could handle it....more
“Let me tell you something 'bout these rich Uptown folk," said Cokie. "They got everything that money can buy, their bank accounts are fat, but they ain't happy. They ain't ever gone be happy. You know why? They soul broke. And money can't fix that, no sir."
It's not every day you come across a story about a young lady whose mother works in a brothel. And certainly not a brothel set in 1950's New Orleans. Though I have to say, 1950's in the French Quarter is very enticing. The setting was a highlight going in, but it fell on the back burner to the characters, who were larger than life and so very easy to like, or loathe, in some cases. I think something that stuck out for me about this book, was how attached and involved I became with these characters. I wasn't fully aware of how much I cared until certain events take place. I was shocked at the emotion I felt, and it really elevated the story for me.
The main character, Josie, is a clever, determined, gutsy yet cautious young lady with a heart of gold and an intelligent, curious nature. It was easy to like her and feel hope towards her future. Her character development over the course of the novel is very noticeable and well-written. She does her best to not follow the footsteps of her gold-digging, conniving, whore of a mother, even though she is so closely wrapped up in her world.
“What do you do with all this bank, Josie? Be a lot easier if you just lifted your skirt.”
“The only reason I’d lift my skirt is to pull out my pistol and plug you in the head.”
I loved the two guys in this story so very much. Patrick owns the bookstore that Jo works in. It was his father Charlie's originally, but Charlie is unable to run the store at this point in his life. You learn a lot about Patrick's father, and get some face time with him. His story line is very emotional, and while you don't really know Charlie through his own eyes, you learn to love him through the eyes of Patrick and Jo. Patrick and Jo are like brother and sister, but there are some confusing moments that come between them, and it felt awkward and confusing, as it was meant to be. And then there was Jesse. Oh my. I was so enamored with this sweet, positive, dependable, hard-working young man. He called Jo "Motor City" because she was from Detroit, and it is one of the cutest nicknames I've ever come across. The moments spent between Jo and Jesse were so natural, believable, touching. Plus, he was so bluntly charming. :)
“You like me, Josie Moraine. You just don't know it yet.”
The madame, Willy, and the cast of prostitutes were all so very colorful. I enjoyed their page time greatly. Willy was a very interesting person. It appears she stepped into the mother role for Jo, though I would call Willy anything but a mother. But in my eyes, she was looking out for Jo on the sly, making sure she had a job to support herself, and rescued her from trouble when it came lookin'. At the end of the story, I liked Willy a lot. She was one of those characters that surprises you. And then there was Jo's biological mother and the creep she was infatuated with. Both shady ass bitches, if you ask me. I loathe them both, as they cause uber amounts of trouble and heartache for Jo.
This book was more than I expected. There is a lot of heartache and turmoil in this book, coupled with violence and scandal. But as you turn the last page, you smile wide because of a very simple yet powerful emotion, one that overcomes fear and leaves you with a sense of peace: hope.
It's a story about finding yourself, believing in yourself, and fighting for yourself.
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Fun tidbit: This was a book club pick. We chatted with the author during book club, and she mentioned that the titles of the
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Fun tidbit: This was a book club pick. We chatted with the author during book club, and she mentioned that the titles of the books were going to be a complete sentence. I find that uber cool!
This book made me immediately think of the show Heroes. It was very reminiscent of the tragic experiences those characters endured because of their uniqueness. I think this book would make an excellent action-packed movie and I think Hollywood needs to jump on it. The world is dark, adults have lost their damn minds, and as usual, take extreme measures. Apparently, some crazy disease called Idiopathic Adolescent Acute Neurodegeneration, was wreaking havoc on the youth of the world. Many died and the ones that were left behind were becoming...different. The world quickly became frightened of these leftover children and their new abilities, so they did what humans ALWAYS do when they are scared or don't understand something: they locked up the kids in concentration camps or prisons. The children were grouped into colors based on their abilities. Some were able to control elements or objects. The more dangerous children could control minds. These Oranges were sought out via strategic testing and killed due to their lethality.
Ruby is more than what we see on the surface, and when it comes time for her test, she does what any scared, lonely child would: she lies and manipulates her way to safety. After a nerve-racking escape attempt, Ruby finds herself on the outside. She is with people she does not know and is unsure who to trust. She endures a dangerous journey with a group of kids she meets, kids just like her who are searching for the man who can lead them to a safe haven. I liked Ruby's voice. She was easy to connect with and believe, as she was going through many of the motions that teenagers experience. And she had such innocence and fragility, especially when it came to her powers and how they have tragically affected her own personal life.
Liam stood out to me. In fact, I adore him and his intelligence, tenderness, protectiveness and the way he says darlin'. His care and concern for young, lonely, lost Suzume made my heart soar with happiness and joy. He did not have to help her. She likely slowed him down at times, and she had her own uncontrollable power to deal with. But he helped her. He cared for and nurtured her. I cannot forget that. And then he lets Ruby in. Their relationship develops slowly and under the radar, but there are moments that made me sigh. Like page 312. THAT SCENE. ♥ He is so swoon-worthy. *sigh*
The banter between Chubs and Liam is epic. Holy crap, I love these two boys something fierce and they should never, ever be apart. They are so loyal and dedicated. Chubs doesn't let Ruby in easily, and is pretty damn loud and clear about his feelings regarding her intrusion in their lives. However, Chubs being who he is, eventually breaks when he realizes Ruby is the real deal. All Chubs wants is to keep his people safe, at any cost. By the end of the story, Chubs was probably the most incredible character. And Suzume, who will grab your heart in her adorable little rubber-gloved hands and squeeze the love right out of you. What a freakin sweet, scared, wanting nothing more than to be loved and protected, child. I can haz one?
The ending broke my heart. I was totally freaking out and I pray that things get better in the next book. I NEED THINGS TO GET BETTER, plzkthx. Favorite Quote
I went into this book thinking it was the final book, but that was obviously not the case. We get one more! Of course, SMASHTASTIC IMPRESSIONS: [image]
I went into this book thinking it was the final book, but that was obviously not the case. We get one more! Of course, this means I now must wait to KNOW WHAT HAPPENS. Ugh. THE ENDING! Oh, the ending will leave you so verrah sad. I was anticipating the event and was extremely touched. I was at lunch in a restaurant, and started getting sobby at the table. Alone. Reading a book. Creepy cat lady? NOT ME! I’m creepy book lady! Oh wait. I’m creepy cat lady too. Boo. Anywho, the ending is a tear-jerker and the events leave you wanting sheer revenge, just like Chase!
WORLD-BUILDING: Holy. Frakin. Hell. Blown away, truly. I think I was most impressed with the settings of the different dimensions that are visited in this installment. The settings defied all logic yet Matt somehow made it all make sense. It was sometimes difficult to follow but I think my mouth was open most of the time by the sheer imagination that went into their creation. AND the action that took place while in these dangerous dimensions was just sheer awesome! Talk about a page-flipper! The creatures were also extremely imaginative and so vivid that I had no issues visualizing them.
CHARACTERS: Oh man, how I love these characters! Grams was a hoot in this installment. That old bat is spicy and doesn’t let the young folk walk all over her. Her banter with the group was so amusing. And we get more Rai time, which is just fine with me. I love this creature! One of my favorite creature sidekicks in a series. She reminds me of some sort of Pokemon with how she morphs into a fiercer form of her self. She is very protective of Chase and saves his ass a few times. Just adore her! ♥ Tiki remains wise and compassionate about the plight of others, even if they are less than savory. I love how fair he is, even though I felt like bitch slapping a few people. Or maybe trout slapping is more appropriate? We get to see Tiki’s demon come out, which was o.O-inducing!
Willy and Chase have some heart-warming talks about their friendship and how they are prepared to fight until the end. Their bond is so beautiful! I loved Willy’s positive traits being pointed out in this book. He’s such a great guy. On the opposite end of the spectrum, however, we have Vincent. I have never been a fan of Vincent and while he shows some sort of humanity and compassion in this installment, his former actions towards some characters left me really angry and disgusted. Shady bastard is the term that comes to mind. Chase and Vincent are at odds throughout the entire book, but damn if Chase doesn’t man up and help out where he is needed.
Of course, Chase is a standout, as he should be. This guy has changed drastically since Exiled, but he still holds on to some self-doubt and continues to feel guilt over all the events that have and will occur. He has surely matured, however, and uses his new-found confidence to stand up to some serious threats. He is the Protector, after all, and would definitely die saving the innocent. I hope it doesn’t come to that, or Matty boy will have some serious hate mail. And maybe a flaming bag of poo on his doorstep…I kid, of course. *shifty eyes*
Rayna and Chase have come a long way in their relationship. There are constant obstacles in the way of their happiness, but damn if they don’t fight for their right to experience love. They make me feel mushy and I so badly want this to work out for them!
FAVORITE QUOTES
”Wonderful,” I said. “We have Vincent, the day-walking vampire. Blade would be so proud. Can we go now?”
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! This book was EVERYTHING I needed it to be. I was over the moon for Qhuinn and Blay, and I I just have a few thoughts to get out...
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! This book was EVERYTHING I needed it to be. I was over the moon for Qhuinn and Blay, and I was totally sniffling and tearing up at the end. After I was finished, I went back and read all the Qhuay scenes. All the pain and agnst, sex and passion, obliviousness and mixed messages, all the EVERYTHING! This was my first m/m romance book. It isn't something I would typically pick up, not because it disgusts me or anything, but because I'd rather read about f/m since that is my sexual preference. However, witnessing these two amazing characters get their HEA was incredible. I don't think I breathed during their scenes together, or even apart. I was totally engaged and in love with these young men and their love and passion for each other. It's strong and pure. <3
I'm also SO excited at Qhuinn's growth and experiences in this book. He really turned out to be a force, and is full of courage and protectiveness for his new family. GOOD FOR HIM on all the recognition that he received.
The Layla story line threw me for a serious loop! I wasn't expecting it, but at the end of the story, I am quite excited to see this blended family grow and thrive. I know someone in that exact same situation back home, and it is working out beautifully for those people. So yay! Though, she does appear to have some difficult times on the horizon...eeep!
I LOVE LOVE LOOOOOOOOVE that the Shadows are getting more story time! I have been so curious about Trez and iAm since their first appearance, and I'm really excited that Ward decided to tell their story.
And as far as the Assail and Xcor story lines...I pretty much skimmed over them. I read enough to know what's going on, but I am so uninterested. It does appear, however, that these two men are going to be way more involved in the coming books...
Favorite quotes:
“You've always had me ... and my heart. My soul. Everything. I wish it hadn't taken this long for me to man up.”
“Shit. With Qhuinn looking at him like that, he couldn’t remember his own name. Blaysox? Blacklock? Blabberfox? Who the fuck knew…”
“Our boy looks impressed.” “Should be,” Rhage muttered as he jacked the belt on his robe. “We are awesome.” Multiple groans at that point. Rolled eyes. “At least he didn’t pull out the ‘totes amazeballs,’” somebody muttered. “That’s Lassiter,” came an answer. “Man, that son of a bitch has got to stop watching Nickel-fucking-odeon.”...more
Ok, so I'll get to Roar in a moment, but just know he was the highlight of this book. Hell, of this series! Now, on to the meat and potatoe
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Ok, so I'll get to Roar in a moment, but just know he was the highlight of this book. Hell, of this series! Now, on to the meat and potatoes of the plot. This installment was a serious emotional ride, on all levels, with all characters. Aria and Perry are reunited after months apart. She is anything but welcome into the Tides, and it proves difficult for her and Perry's relationship. Perry does his best to see she is treated fairly, but only he can do so much, and he is not in all places at all times. An ugly event occurs that sends Aria and Roar off into the wilderness. Of course, their journey is not aimless. They are headed toward the Rim to seek out the Blood Lord, Sable, and find Liv! If you haven't been paying attention, Liv is Roar's past and he wants her to be his future, too. Unlucky for him, Liv was promised to Sable by her older brother, Vale, in exchange for food and supplies for the Tides, who struggle to survive through the seasons. Quite the predicament, you see? Also, Aria is on a mission to find the location of the Still Blue, the mysterious promised land, free of Aether storms and full of life and prosperity. Ahhh...one can dream....
PERRY! I cannot express the emotions I felt when he was struggling with his new-found responsibilities. He is confident one minute, and then his confidence is torn to shreds the next. He constantly struggles with being the leader his people expect and protecting them at all costs. He makes quick decisions based on emotion, throwing rationality out the window. But...that's Perry! It's ingrained in his nature to protect first and deal with the consequences later. His people want him to be rational and realize he is more important alive, but Perry is all about jumping in head first without thinking the risks through. There is a scene in the book where Perry is brought to his knees by overwhelming emotion, and I was brought to mine, too. Well, I was laying in my bed, but I was on my knees in spirit. (Get your minds out of the gutter!)
Moving on. ARIA! And PERRY! Squee! Sob! Smile! Cry! And many more !!! These two are so off-the-charts special. Fate brought them together, they struggled to understand and even like the other, and their destinies are enmeshed to hell. Throughout their struggles, an intense romance has bloomed and they are now fighting to save the lives of their people and each other. I mean, they have not had a chance to breath since their first meeting, let alone find the time to fall in love. Yet they still manage to FEEL and SHOW their love and affection, even in the smallest of ways. It's like... all beautiful and shit.
“Do you ever miss anything?'
Perry smiled. 'You, all the time.”
Now, collectively..."awwwwwwwwwww!" You know you said it, or thought it. Don't try to lie about it. You feel the same sappy, cheesy feels I do. ;) Now I get to talk about THE MAN OF THE HOUR. Or Book. Or Series, really. Roar, aka Made of Awesome. Aka, My Favorite Secondary Character in YA. As swoon-worthy as this guy is, I don't even have romantic feelings towards him. Yes, we readers have romantic feelings towards our swoony characters. Don't judge. Or else.
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Back to THE MAN. Roar. Dear Heavens, this poor guy was put through the ringer in this book, and thus, so was I! Lots of SADS. Lots of cries and whimpers and HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO US, ROSSI! *first of dooms* Roar...it's hard to put into words my thoughts about this character. The ease at which Aria connected with him in book one because of his simple, carefree, love life attitude, the passion and compassion that he possesses that allows him to throw himself into situations, safe or otherwise, with such abandon...the overwhelming feelings I FEEL when I think about what he experienced in this book, and how I would MOVE MOUNTAINS to see this guy happy. He is just one of those people, those rare, rare people, that are almost perfect. Yet, he isn't, and his vulnerability and blind passion are what make him worth loving and fighting for. SO MUCH LOVE.
The world-building expanded, especially near the end, when Cinder become a serious piece of the story! Holy firecracker, Batman! This kid surprised me, not only with his actions, but with his purpose in the overall plot. Into the Still Blue is bound to be a traumatic and treacherous journey for the Tides, and this kid is at the center of it all. Freaking out! Favorite Quote
Love was like the waves in the sea, gentle and good sometimes, rough and terrible at others, but that it was endless and stronger than the sky and earth and everything in between.
I need to state that this series on audio has been SO DAMN GOOD. Rebecca Soler has really elevated the story with her inflections, emotions and accents. I have truly enjoyed listening to the tale of Cinder and Scarlet.
Scarlet is feisty and I loved her strong, independent, protective nature. I found myself much more interested in her page time than Cinder. She was protective of her grandmother, and in the end, of Wolf. Wolf was AWESOME. Just awesome. The story behind him and his brethren is not revealed until very late in the game, and his situation kept me guessing throughout the entire book. I was flabbergasted at the connection between Wolf and other characters in this universe.
Cinder's new friend, Thorne, was a humorous addition to the cast. He was bit of an airhead but he was also useful and loyal. I loved his obsession with "his" spaceship. ICO! Oh, how I adored this android even more in this installment. I don't want to give away her situation in this book, but she really lightened some scenes with her adorable, funny, innocent personality. I am amazed, over and over again, that I adore secondary characters so much more than main characters.
I really, really enjoyed this installment in the series. I found it really creative, engaging and entertaining. There was a LOT of action, a lot of gasping and a lot of cursing. By me. Not the characters. I enjoyed the different story lines of Cinder and Scarlet, and how they merged together in a big way at the end of the book. The plot is moved forward leaps and bounds in this book. There are a lot of dangerous moments for the characters and I was on the edge of my seats during some of the action scenes.
I am WICKED excited to meet Rapunzel in the third book, Cress!
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