Review: The Rising

All the supernaturals of Kelley Armstrong's Darkness and Darkest series combine for this impending conclusion. 

For Maya, the worst part of the experiment wasn't the shapeshifter side effects, but being separated from her loved ones. Now that everyone thinks they are dead, and a fake funeral is put in place, the only solution to gaining their lives back is by striking a deal with the Cabals. But is negotiation possible or are they all running into a trap?

Having read the Darkest series, I was guarded as to how Armstrong would mix all main characters. Strangely, it was newcomer Ash -- Maya's long lost brother -- who held my intrigue the most. In his own aloof way, he helped her grow into a more decision oriented character. Not only is she the one to pressure the Cabals for a deal, but she also puts an end to the Rafe/Daniel love triangle that monopolised the series. 

Although the ending is open to interpretation, most questions about their powers and the possibility of a cure are answered. 

Caught my arrow #36

Caught my Arrow is a meme similar to Stalking the Shelves featuring books that were purchased, borrowed or received that week.

Not only did I get to visit Manhattan, but had some great material to take on the road with me. Looking forward to posting these future reviews. 

Received from Publisher

As taken from my Instagram, 

Vampires of Manhattan by Melissa De La Cruz

Received from Author

The Space in Between by Jen Minkman

Purchased

Wicked Sweet by Mar'ce Merrell

Betti on the High Wire by Lisa Railsback

What are you reading this week?

Review: Unravel Me

Sadly, being the most powerful creature in the world doesn't guarantee happiness.

Juliette has the power to kill at her fingertips She considered herself cursed until she meet Adam and Warner -- two people with the ability to resist her touch of doom. But now, regardless of her escape from Omega Point in Shatter Me, things just keep getting harder. Juliette and Adam want to take their love physical but can't, a war is coming soon, and if that wasn't enough, bad boy Warner is back and more irresistible than ever. Will Juliette ever get a chance to breathe?

This sequel packed a lot more action than the first. Finally, we got the scoop on Warner's and Adam's pasts, making it easier to attach ourselves to the characters. If not for Juliette's negative attitude at the beginning, I would have easily given this a five star rating. 

Happy to say, that the strikethrough words have decreased. 

Top Ten Tuesday: Indecisions

 

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

TOP BOOKS I'M NOT SURE I WANT TO READ 

To read or not to read, the one question every reader asks themselves before opening a book. Some are too long, too depressing -- or simply not the right book at the right moment. Here are my current indecisions:

Reached by Ally Condie

The last book of a series can't make or break the whole thing. I admit that after reading Crossed, and not being too impressed, this finale scares me.

Betrayed by P.C. Cast

Another series I'm unsure if I should continue.

Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl really got to me -- made me think about the advantages to ignore bullies. But Milkweed deals with jewish kids in Nazi Germany. Sounds a bit too depressing for me to read right now.

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

Seriously disliked the sequel Shift. Not sure I want to finish this series.

The Bad Seed by William March

No offense to William, but if this book is an exact replica of the movie, I'd rather keep avoiding it. I have seen the film way too many times to learn anything new.

Which book topped your list?

Review: Catching Jordan

Prepare to question your sport prejudices.

Jordan has a lot of pressure to deal with. Her father doesn't approve of her playing football, yet praises his son whenever he does. The good thing is that Jordan now has newcomer Ty's attention, and gets to experience love for the first time. But what exactly is love? Is it the goosebumps you get when he is near you, or the fact that he supports you no matter what? Because if it's the latter, Jordan has got it all wrong. 

The teamwork observed in the book was inspirational. JJ, Carter, and Henry in particular, show Jordan the proper respect any girl should get. Miranda Kenneally's focus on the father/daughter relationship was quite moving, demonstrating the reasons behind Jordan's father disapproval and her struggle to maintain her dreams alive. 

All in all, a beautiful short novel, that makes football sound fun.