Review: Treasure Darkly

"He might not have a hero, but he could be hers."

Clark Treasure didn't mean to drink the army vial that would give him powers over life and death. But what's done is done. Hiding at his birth-father's rich estate seems like the only solution. But what happens when he falls in love with his sister? Can Clark really be a rich boy, secret lover, superhero and maintain his identity a secret all at once?

Steampunk meets romance (mostly romance) in Mierek's first book of the series. Characters were well-developed, with lots of secrets and hidden agendas. Although, I enjoyed Amethyst and Clark's lovely and erotic relationship, he kind of went against his word at the end, with a promising cliffhanger surprise. 

Wonder what Mierek has in store for her characters next.

Review: The Ocean at the End of the Lane

If I were basing my rating on imagination alone, it would deserve ten stars.

A little boy (who shall remain nameless because the character has no name)survives a traumatic experience of finding a dead man in his father's car. From then on, his entire world changes. He is confronted to magic, evil, parental abuse and sadly memory loss. And all because of the ocean at the end of the lane. It makes you wonder, do human beings really belong in the magical realm or would opening that window cause great damage?

Although, I'm a fan of Gaiman's work, particularly Coraline, I found that there were too many lose ends and some characters very easily disposed off. Yes, varmints do chase worms. But who exactly were the Hempstock girls -- Witches...? Fae...? So many possibilities, just like the little boy's name...

Review: The Infinite Sea

"It isn't so much about crushing your capacity to fight as it is your will to fight."

The war between humans and aliens seems to be unending. They are no signs of anyone other than Cassie and her friends helping the cause. And all they keep hoping for is survival -- defending the planet is a long step away. This time around, the group will encounter new and old enemies who will try to infiltrate at all costs. Why such effort? If they are not a threat, why not just annihilate them fast and save time?

Yancey surprises once more by setting up different ruses along the story and making everyone a possible target. The characters have become tougher -- ready to handle whatever this writer throws at them. Even their dialogue is harsher. But above all, Yancey demonstrates the importance of love; and how that aspect alone separates us from monsters. Love for humanity, for innocence ... heck, even puppy love. 

Can't wait to see how the series will end.

Don't miss the first book of the series: The 5th Wave

Cover Reveal: Breach Point

A SUPERNATURAL YA THRILLER

When high school sophomore Clara Tuffney is hired for a summer internship at an engineering firm, she accepts an invitation to live with her Aunt Maureen in the quiet seaside town of Breach Point, New Jersey.

Soon after arriving, Clara learns of the infamous Breach Point Castle, a haunted attraction that once stood on the town's busy amusement pier. While searching out the Castle's former location, Clara befriends Nicholas, a shy local boy. Nicholas introduces Clara to his Uncle Kevin who, along with his friends, worked at the Castle during its prime.

Through Nicholas, Clara discovers that the Castle burned down in a mysterious fire in the early 1980s. She also learns of a local legend – a boy named Eric, rumored to have possessed supernatural powers, was killed in the fire – though many doubt that he actually died. Some of the town's residents even believe that Eric has returned to Beach Point in the form of a malevolent spirit – a story Kevin sternly cautions Clara against believing.

Clara's curious nature soon brings her closer to finding out the secret behind what really happened to the Castle and to Eric – though her search for answers places herself, Aunt Maureen, and Nicholas directly in the path of a danger she does not fully understand.

Steve Spatucci lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He’s been writing screenplays since the 90s, making his first sale in 2012 with his dark comedyPlay Date. Breach Point is his first novel. Feel free to follow Steve via his Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Review: Me being me is exactly as insane as you being you

Maybe everything would be better without these horrible, endless lists

Darren doesn't understand anyone. His Dad drops the bomb that he's gay, and wants to be in a monogamous relationship now that his divorce is finalized. Mom avoids the topic, because she'd much rather talk about work. His brother is living the most amazing college life, yet returns home. And then there's Zoey. Darren's dream girl, who follows him on a bus but refuses to talk to him again after sleeping with him. What is wrong with this picture?

Although, the author did have a good background plot to work on, he decided to tell the entire story with lists. Pointless, headache-provoking, distracting, how-worthless-do-you-think-my-time is lists. 

Ex: 8 Best things Darren ever built out of Lego, in chronological order
Things Darren does with a particular book after putting away the Lego bin and changing into his outfit for the concert but before showing up at school

All in all, this 646 pages novel has about 35% story that was never really closely examined. Except for his mother's insistence on bringing up work, none of the characters get closure. One of them even returns at the end of the story, explaining everything to Darren. Information that he decides not to tell us!! 

Here's hoping there won't be a sequel.