Review: Elegy by Amanda Hocking

Elegy

By: Amanda Hocking

Series: The Watersong Series

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Mythology

Length: 542 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

An ancient curse robbed Gemma Fisher of everything that matters most—her friends, her family and the guy she loves. But now that she found the scroll that binds the curse, she finally has a chance to get her old life back. She just needs to destroy the scroll—but it's not as easy as she hoped. Protected by ancient magic, it seems utterly indestructible. Making matters worse, Penn has grown even more obsessed with stealing Daniel for her own…and she's about to succeed.

Gemma's frantic search leads her to someone who might be able to help—the mysterious immortal who cursed Penn and her sisters thousands of years ago. As Gemma and her friends unravel the tragic history of the curse, they plunge deeper into a world of shocking secrets and twisted vendettas—and it'll take all their courage, love and the power of their friendship just to survive. Gemma has so much to fight for and she's never wanted anything more, but will it be enough to stop her enemies?

My Review:

Rating:

People always say to "never judge a book by it's cover," however with covers this gorgeous how can you not expect to fall in love with the series. If you have followed my previous posts you know that I have never been a huge fan of mermaid tales, however when I saw these beautiful covers I thought why not give this series a shot. Between the covers and recommendation from a good friend I jumped all in expecting to love this series. However, from the very beginning I was a bit disappointed. 

Between the writing and the characters themselves I found it hard to remain interested in the story. Gemma while she appeared to be strong-willed and determined to fight her battles, when it came to the sirens she appeared weak and defenseless at every turn. Sure she snapped out some snarky comments here and there but they never really portrayed her as a strong character until the very end when she battles Penn. But even then the battle seem short and lacking in detail. 

Then we have Harper, who from the very beginning annoyed me with her overprotective behavior and constant need to fix Gemma's problems. Being a sister I can understand the need to protect ones sister, however Harper seemed to take it to the next level. On top of that her character felt underdeveloped and lacking in personality. Even when she was with Daniel she was constantly worrying and determined to fix the problem by herself. 

The dialogue between each character seemed awkward and forced. Their comments at times didn't  feel real, like no real life person would say those things; especially to someone they claim to love or be their best friend. The dialogue made it hard to truly find a connection with the characters. 

While I can say this isn't my favorite series, I am glad I read the series. It has given me a new perspective on books about mermaids and I would like to read more of them in the future to see if I can find one that truly pulls me under. 

Published by: K

Review: Tidal by Amanda Hocking

Tidal

By: Amanda Hocking

Series: Watersong Series

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Mythology

Length: 342 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

The magical world of Watersong is about to change forever. The answers Gemma and her friends have been searching for are finally revealed - but evil is closing in and time is running out....

Gemma and Harper Fisher are facing the fight of their lives. Gemma has been cursed with extraordinary powers that have a terrifying dark side, but she's finally found what she needs - a way to break the curse and become human again. However, finding the means to do it will be her greatest challenge yet. And now Penn, Lexi, and Thea - the gorgeous but deadly creatures who cursed her - are determined to kill her before she has a chance. Making matters worse, Penn has her sights set on Daniel - the guy Harper loves - and Penn always gets what she wants.

As Gemma and Harper race to break the curse before it's too late, they're thrust deeper into a mythical world of immortal secrets. They must look into their enemies' past to find the answers they need, even if it means being drawn deeper into their savagely beautiful world. But one of the girls is not what she seems...and Gemma finds an unlikely ally as she struggles to save herself. Will it be enough to break an ancient curse that no one has ever escaped from alive?

My Review:

Rating:

As you may know if you read my earlier reviews; mermaid tales are not exactly my cup of tea. However, the Watersong series drew me in with their captivating covers and magically written synopsis's. I figured why not give the series a shot, especially when I found the entire series at the flea market. Who wouldn't pass up a deal like that!

Amanda Hocking is a phenomenal author, she has a way of bringing life to the tiny town of Capri, where mermaids have come to linger. I had high hopes for this series as my best friend from college always seemed to rave about these books. However, I have been slightly disappointed. 

At times I feel as though the dialogue between characters is forced. leaving you guessing as to their true feelings. Such as Daniel and Harper, their dialogue appears awkward more times than not; leaving you skeptical of their love. Is it real?

Then there is Harper herself, I find her character highly annoying and way too overbearing. I can understand her love and desire to protect her sister and those she loves but at times I find her to be way too over-protective. Constantly meddling in Gemma's business and needing to know where Gemma is at all times. 

Tidal picks up only days after Gemma's confrontation with Penn and the other sirens during the Fourth of July celebration. Harper and Gemma are on a mission to find the siren scroll in order to end the curse. But on their secret endeavor they run into numerous setbacks, leaving Gemma to question her decisions. 

While the girls are dealing with finding the scroll, Daniel is attempting to appeal to Penn's "humanity." Or more like entertaining her to keep her out of the Fisher sisters way. But his plan backfires and soon Penn wants him and will stop at nothing to have him. Will he betray Harper in order to protect her? 

While I struggled to finish this book I do plan to stick it out and finish the series. One book to go and I kinda want to know what happens in the end. Who survives the final battle? Can Thea get a happy ending of her own?

Published by: K

Review: Lullaby by Amanda Hocking

Lullaby

By: Amanda Hocking

Series: Watersong Series

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Length: 290 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Don't miss the next chapter of Watersong, a bold new series that will enchant you, entrance you, and hold you captive under its spell

Now that Gemma Fisher has inherited Penn, Lexi, and Thea's curse - and all the strange new powers that come along with it - she has no choice but to run away with them. Devastated that she has to leave everyone she loves behind, she's still determined not to give in to the unspeakable hungers that plague her.

Unfortunately, they're growing stronger every day, and she's not sure how much longer she can resist.

Harper won't give up on finding her sister Gemma, vowing to get her back no matter what the cost. The search draws her closer to too-gorgeous-for-his-own-good Daniel, and tests her fiercely guarded independence like never before. She's always been the strong one who everyone else depends on.... Can she let herself depend on Daniel?

As Gemma and Harper plunge deeper into a magical world they barely understand, it becomes painfully clear that Gemma's old life may be lost forever. But can she still hold on to her humanity?

My Review:

Rating:

Lullaby starts off right where Wake ended, Gemma has run away with the sirens and Harper will stop at nothing to find her sister. It's only been a couple days and the fallout from Gemma's disappearance can be felt throughout the Fisher household; even Alex the boy next door is desperate to locate Gemma. 

While Alex, Harper and Daniel are investigating the mystical girls that Gemma ran off with, Gemma is struggling just to survive among these new and unusual creatures. Gemma has found herself in quite the pickle; she is sick and her hair is falling out. Can she hold onto her humanity when she is tested at every turn? Will the darkness inside win? 

Amanda Hocking is an excellent author and she weaves together an amazing story, however just like with Wake I struggled to get into the book. While it may not be the writing or even the story itself that is holding me back, it could very well be the fact that I have always struggled with mermaid novels/series. I must say this is the first series that I intend to finish, there are too many unanswered questions.

I must know can Harper and Gemma break the curse? And what is so special about Daniel? Why can he resist the lure of the sirens? 

Harper and Gemma have quite the sisterly bond as well. How do they know when the other is in trouble? What magic do they possess? 

So many questions and I intend to find the answers. Before I may not have finished the series, but with so many burning questions I must see where the story ends. Will the sisters get there happy ending? Or will Gemma remain cursed to swim the oceans with the sirens?

Published by: K

Review: Wake by Amanda Hocking

Wake

By: Amanda Hocking

Series: Watersong Series

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Mythology

Length: 309 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

My Review:

Rating:

Truthfully, I have had this series sitting on my shelf for a couple of years now just begging to be read, however I have always pushed it aside. The main reason being I am not a big fan of tails about mermaids, but when I saw this series just sitting on a shelf at a used book store the gorgeous covers just drew me in and I figured why not, let's give it a try. Now that we have moved into a new house, I'm having to do a bit of down sizing on my "library" and since then I rediscovered these magnificent books. 

Wake is told in third person from the points-of-view of two sisters; Harper and Gemma. Harper the studious bookworm setting off to college in the fall has watched over her sister Gemma ever since their mother was in a terrible accident. She acts as mother to Gemma and at times I found her character to be a bit annoying and stuck up, especially during her interactions with Daniel the handsome boatsman. 

Gemma on the other hand is a bit of a wild spirit, drawn to the water and always wanting to push the limits. Also, she finds herself having a bit of a thing for the dorky boy nextdoor; Alex. Who also happens to be Harper's best friend. 

At the start of summer three strange girls wash into town; Penn, Lexi and Thea. They captive the men in town and have their eyes set on Gemma. Strange things are happening in the bay, young men are going missing and after one night of hanging out with these three girls Gemma starts to feel strange herself. Little did she know that these girls have cursed her to a life in the ocean. At first Gemma doesn't find the concept to be that bad but she soon finds out that there is so much more to these girls and they enjoy hiding their secrets. 

Now to be honest I was not all that impressed when I first started this book, I found it slow and difficult to get into. But as I stated before mermaid stories have never been my favorite, I have always found them difficult to read. I could never understand why. However, I must say that as the story went on the book became more engaging and I just had to know what happened to Gemma and Harper. The last several chapters really got me hooked. 

Now onto the next chapter, Lullaby!! We shall see how this series ends and if it can change my mind on books about mermaids. 

What are everyone else's thoughts on stories about mermaids? If you have a recommendation please drop it below!! 

Published by: K

Review: Wild Crush by Simone Elkeles

Wild Crush

By: Simone Elkeles

Series: Wild Card Series

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Length: 304 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

When the only girl you want is the one you can't have...

Bad boy Vic Salazar breaks all the rules except one: Don't make a move on your best friend's girl. It’s a Guy Code that Vic lives by. It doesn't matter that he's had a crush on her for years. Monika Fox is off limits.

Monika has a secret of her own and when a tragedy throws her and Vic together, the only boy she trusts is the one she shouldn’t confide in. Vic.

As Vic struggles to keep his distance, and Monika struggles with her secrets, will their wild connection violate every rule both vowed never to break—about relationships, about friendship, about love? 

My Review:

Rating:

One beautifully written page-turner!!

Simone Elkeles has always been one of my favorite authors!! After reading Perfect Chemistry back in high school I have been hooked on her writing; the Perfect Chemistry series was my absolute favorite. Sadly over the years I have drifted away some from her books, however this past week I pick up Wild Crush and instantly remembered why I love her books. 

Wild Crush follows a troubled football player, Victor and his high school crush Monika on a rollercoaster of emotions. Vic is a start football player with a crappy home life and a secret love for his best friend's girlfriend. Monika carries a secret pain of her own, however when tragedy hits their small town of Fremont Vic and Monika find themselves growing closer. Can their new found feelings survive the loss of someone they both loved? Or will their grief tear them apart?

I struggled with putting this book down, I just had to get to the end. I had to know what was in store for Vic and Monika. 

And I must say I loved the fact that Simone brought back characters that we loved from her previous series, Perfect Chemistry. I definitely was not expecting a cameo from Alex Fuentes and his old friend Isabel, who turned out to be such a strong role model for Victor. 

This book is phenomenal and I can't wait to read more of her books. I can't even remember why I stopped reading them...every single one keeps me captivated from the very first page. This is one series that I highly recommend! 

Published by: K

Review: Stolen by Allison Brennan

Stolen

By: Allison Brennan

Series: The Lucy Kincaid Series

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Length: 384 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Nothing is more important to private investigator Sean Rogan than his relationship with FBI trainee Lucy Kincaid. But when his past catches up with him, Sean faces an ultimatum: clear his name and help the FBI take down a rogue agent, or go to prison and lose everything he holds dear. With only Agent Noah Armstrong as his back-up and forced to keep Lucy in the dark, Sean steps back into his old world. But the longer he's undercover, the more dangerous the game becomes. More than Sean's future with Lucy is at stake—so is his life.

Lucy can't imagine Sean would keep secrets from her—until an FBI agent casts doubt about who he really is…and who he used to be. Why did Sean quit his job with his brother and move to New York? Why hasn't he told her anything about his new job? With more questions than answers, Lucy doesn't know who to believe or who she can trust. All she knows is that Sean is in grave danger, and this time, it's personal.

My Review:

Rating:

Allison Brennan is a phenomenal mystery/thriller author. She gets you hooked from the very first page and you cannot help but wonder what twist is coming next. If you haven't yet read one of her books I highly suggest giving her a shot.

Stolen focuses more on Sean Rogan than any of Allison's previous books in the Lucy Kincaid series. We get to meet some of the people from Sean's past and what caused him to sign on with is brother Duke at RCK in the first place. I loved getting the opportunity to learn more about the surrounding men in Lucy's life. The previous books focused mostly on her and her goal of becoming an FBI agent. Instead of being the main character this time Lucy was more of a background character, which I throughly enjoyed. 

Sean agrees to help the FBI with bringing down a corrupt senator, going in thinking that all in good and in one month he will be back home with his love, Lucy. But things turn deadly for Sean, the operation was more about Sean than he had ever thought possible. Now everyone he loves is in danger, including Lucy. Sean must break the law in order to save those he loves, even if it means sacrificing he's life and possibly even his freedom. 

This book had me on the edge of m seat from the very first page. So many twists and turns that I never saw coming. Allison Brennan did yet another amazing job webbing together such a captivating story. Cannot wait to get my hands on Cold Snap!!

Published by: K

Review: Stalked by Allison Brennan

Stalked

By: Allison Brennan

Series: The Lucy Kincaid Series

Genre: Mystery

Length: 386 pages

Synopsis From Goodreads:

A new trainee at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Lucy Kincaid has already seen more than her share of murder and mayhem. Still reeling from the sex-crime case that sealed her reputation, she's found a true friend and mentor in Agent Tony Presidio. No matter what goes down at the bureau, Tony's got her back-until she's called to New York to help investigate the murder of a reporter with ties to Lucy.

But the reporter might not be the first victim of a patient killer with a penchant for revenge, and she's definitely not the last. Connections between closed cases, a missing person, and Tony himself lead Lucy to fear for those she cares for most. When the FBI is rocked by the death of one of their own, Lucy seeks the help of her bf, PI Sean Rogan, to help put together the puzzle-and puts her career in jeopardy.

But the harder she pushes for answers, the clearer the truth becomes: There's a killer inside Quantico. Watching her every move. Waiting to kill again...

My Review:

Rating:

I absolutely love Allison Brennan's books. She has a way of grabbing you and sucking you into the storyline. Her books are always page-turners from the very beginning. She is a phenomenal author and out of all of her books the Lucy Kincaid series is one of me favorites. 

In Stalked, Lucy has finally made it to Quantico, her dream career is right in front of her however someone is out to sabotage her future. But she is determined to make it through and face her fears, that is until a secret comes to light. 

Not only is Lucy's future on the line but she has found herself in the middle of yet another investigation. And this one has followed her straight to Quantico, there is a murderer among them and she is the only one that can get inside the killers head. Along side Sean, Noah and some old friends, Lucy must track down the killer before anyone else she loves gets hurt. 

While this series is just like every other murder mystery there is something about these books that grabs your interest and just won't let go. The writing is amazing and I enjoy the multiple points of view, getting several little tidbits of the mystery at a time and piecing it all together right along with Lucy and her team. 

If your ever looking for a quick read this is the series for you, they are fast reads and some of the best mystery novels I have read in a while. 

Published by: K