Radiant Shadows

Title: Radiant Shadows
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely, Book #4
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Page Count: 352 Pages (Hardcover)
Pub. Date: Published 2010 by HarperCollins
Rating: 5/5

Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.
Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.
Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.
Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?
Alluring romance, heart-stopping danger, and sinister intrigue combine in the penultimate volume of Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series.

~My Review~

The last book in my re-read of the Wicked Lovely series before I get to read the fifth and final book Darkest Mercy.

In Radiant Shadows we meet Ani, well we technically met her in Wicked Lovely but she was a very minor character - not so much anymore. Ani could change everything for the Dark Court, for all of Faery. She has the ability (and curse) of being able to feed off of both touch and emotions, and her abilities are not limited to just fey, she can feed from humans as well.

Devlin is the High Queen's advisor and bloody hands, he has sworn fealty to Reason and has devoted his existence to protecting Faery. But if he is truly High Court, then he should only listen to Reason, and should definitely not have dark urges inside of his - being made also of War, he has to battle with himself daily to restrain that half of his nature.

Devlin, like Irial, drew me in with his multifaceted personality. He is regal and logical, but also fierce and tormented. He wasn't born into a court knowing only to follow a certain path, he had/has to choose the path of Reason over War, deciding the fate of Faery by his allegiance. He had always obeyed his queen, until he saved the life of a half-breed Sorcha ordered him to kill. Now he is faced with the consequences of that decision.

Packed with action, Radiant Shadows barely let me catch my breath, as all of Faery is turned upside-down by a new Faery and a halfling. A great buildup for what I am expecting to be an epic finale in Darkest Mercy.

The only problem I had with Radiant Shadows was the cover. I LOVE the covers for the other four books and was disappointed in this one. The wolves look weird and very photoshopped on. I found a pick online of an alternate cover and I like it better, wish my hardcover sported this one:

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series (click the name for review) ~

#1 Wicked Lovely, #2 Ink Exchange, #3 Fragile Eternity, #4 Radiant Shadows, #5 Darkest Mercy, - Novellas (Set between books 2 & 3): Stopping Time, Old Habits.

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa, Tithe by Holly Black, Need by Carrie Jones, Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton, or Paranormalcy by Kiersten White.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

Fragile Eternity - Short and Sweet Review

Title: Fragile Eternity

Author: Melissa Marr

Series: Wicked Lovely, Book #3

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Page Count: 400 Pages (Hardcover)

Pub. Date: Published 2009 by HarperCollins

Rating: 5/5

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen. Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined. In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

~My Review~

In case you missed my earlier reviews, I am re-reading this series because the fifth and final book (Darkest Mercy) was just released.

Fragile Eternity is Seth's story. I was happy Melissa Marr went back to some of the original Wicked Lovely cast for this one. We get to have more Ash, Seth and Keenan.

Seth is struggling to come to terms with his place in Ash's life now that she is a queen. He is mortal, and therefore vulnerable, even with the protection of the Summer queen. Worse still, he has to watch Ash grow closer to Keenan as the summer season comes closer. The solution that seems so obvious to Seth - to make him one of the fey - is denied him by all he knows to ask for help, forcing him to seek it on his own, but at what cost?

At this point in the series you have a well established view of the Summer and Dark courts, and are now introduced to the ins and outs of the High court. Having delved into the Dark court and finding to good parts *ahem Irial ahem* it was interesting to delve into their counterbalance - the High court.

I liked Fragile Eternity the best so far in the series. It is so rich in story and drama that you never know what is going to happen next, and you can't wait to find out.

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series (click the name for review) ~

#1 Wicked Lovely, #2 Ink Exchange, #3 Fragile Eternity, #4 Radiant Shadows, #5 Darkest Mercy, - Novellas (Set between books 2 & 3): Stopping Time, Old Habits.

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa, Tithe by Holly Black, Need by Carrie Jones, Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton, or Paranormalcy by Kiersten White.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

Starlighter by Bryan Davis, a Quick Review

Title: Starlighter
Author: Bryan Davis
Series: Dragons Of Starlight: Book 1
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Page Count: 400 Pages
Pub. Date: Paperback - published in 2010 by Zondervan
Rating: 5/5

Dragons are enslaving humankind and a black egg signals the end of the world. Jason Masters must journey to another realm and join forces with a slave girl named Koren to rescue the captives and save two worlds from destruction.
What if the Legends Are True? Jason Masters doubted the myths: people taken through a portal to another realm and enslaved by dragons. But when his brother is taken, he must uncover the truth and find the portal before it's too late. Once he's through the portal, he meets Koren, a slave in the dragons’ realm, who struggles to destroy a black egg prophesied to doom all mankind. Jason and Koren must work together to save their two worlds before the dragons learn that their secrets have been discovered.

~My Review~

Two worlds hoping that the tales of the other exist. In one world a young warrior sets out on a quest to find his brothers and the Lost Ones and rescue them from slavery. In another world a slave girl risks her own life to find out the fate of her friend. Dragons, sword-fights, and magic wrap this story up in adventure and leave you wanting more. A great YA read.

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series ~

#1 Starlighter, #2 Warrior.

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Eragon by Christopher Paolini, The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, or Firelight by Sophie Jordan.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at Bookdepository (Free Shipping): here
Buy it at Amazon: here

Old Habits and Stopping Time

Title: Old Habits and Stopping Time
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely, Book #2.5-2.6
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Page Count: 120 Pages (approximate)
Pub. Date: Ebook Published 2011 by HarperTeen
Rating: 5/5

With "Old Habits," Melissa Marr returns to the ravishing world of Faerie with a story set between her bestselling novels Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity. Recently anointed king of the Dark Court, Niall struggles to forge a new relationship with his subjects—and with the former Dark King, Irial, his once-friend, once-enemy, and now possible-advisor.
"Stopping Time" is an exciting e-story original sequel to the bestselling Ink Exchange. Leslie walked away from the Dark Court, determined to reclaim her life and live it on her own terms—even if it meant leaving behind the two faeries who love her. She knows Niall and Irial watch over her, and she would give almost anything to keep them from hurting. But she resists the pull to be with either one of them. Someone knows about Leslie's past, however, and is intent on using her to reach the fey. And he doesn't care who gets hurt….

~My Review~

This was my first time reading these Ebooks. I bought them when they came out, but wanted to wait until I re-read the series so I would get them in context. I bought each separately, so I read Stopping Time first because it was published first, but I would suggest starting with Old Habits.

One of the things that troubled me when reading this series the first time was that Leslie's story seemed to drop of suddenly. I wanted to know more about what happened to her, and how the Dark kings dealt with her leaving. I was so happy to finally get that with these short stories.

Old Habits gave me more background on the Hounds and Niall's transition into leadership, as well as a deeper look into his relationship with Irial. There were also some story lines drawn between the Dark Court and High Court that I really liked.

Stopping Time gave me Leslie's continuing story and I don't want to spoil it by giving anything away, but I was very happy to know the boys didn't just leave her be.

Great, quick read that definitely added to the Wicked Lovely experience!

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series (click the name for review) ~

#1 Wicked Lovely, #2 Ink Exchange, #3 Fragile Eternity, #4 Radiant Shadows, #5 Darkest Mercy, - Novellas (Set between books 2 & 3): Stopping Time, Old Habits.

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa, Tithe by Holly Black, Need by Carrie Jones, Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton, or Paranormalcy by Kiersten White.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at Amazon (Kindle): here

Ink Exchange - 2nd Time's a Charm

Title: Ink Exchange
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely, Book #2
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Page Count: 352 Pages (Paperback)
Pub. Date: Published 2009 by HarperCollins (first published 2008)
Rating: 5/5

To 17-year-old Leslie, the tattoo is a thing of indescribable beauty, a captivating mark that she must make her own. But this subtle web of eyes and wings brings with it a transformation that no sweet young girl would ever imagine or welcome. Like its predecessor, this stand-alone sequel to Wicked Lovely plunges its youthful heroine into a faery world of almost constant peril. A tantalizing urban fantasy that won't let go.

~My Review~

I am re-reading this series because the fifth and final book (Darkest Mercy) was just released.

This is Leslie's story. We met her in Wicked Lovely, but she was just a minor character. The first time I read the series the main character shift confused me, but now this is one of my favorites in the series.

Leslie is broken inside and is struggling to find a way to reclaim her confidence in herself, and in her body. She thinks that finally getting her tattoo will be the first step in taking her life back.

Niall knows how broken Leslie is, and how strong she is. Invisibly guarding her, and watching from a safe distance, his feelings for the human girl continue to grow. He knows it's dangerous to get close to her, but what if he's protecting her from someone much worse?

Irial had a much easier ride before the new Winter and Summer Queens arrived. Ruling the Dark Court - fey who secretly feed off of dark emotions (fear, anger, lust...) - was a lot easier while the other Courts were at war. Now, the peace between the other fey is threatening the strength of his own. Should he start a fight? Or will connecting with an unsuspecting human be the answer he is searching for?

I have to say that this book jumped up a few ratings after reading the series over again. For one, I now understand, and love, the changing M/C's - it gives so much more of the story than if we only saw the Summer Court. Leslie was a great heroin, easy to like, and with real problems. Niall was a nice mixture of Keenan and Seth for me, the creepy fairy who actually cares about the girl he is after. And of course I have a book crush on Irial in all his dark glory.

I already grew to love the twisted, beautifully creepy fey that Marr created in Wicked Lovely, and Ink Exchange amped it up another notch by delving into the Dark Court. The fey who need fear, lust, anger and other dark emotions to survive would be easy to label as the villains of this world, if not for this glimpse into the mind and heart of their king. Here's a quote from Irial that I loved,

"We are what we are, Niall, neither as good or as evil as others paint us. And what we are doesn't change how truly we feel, only how free we are to follow those feelings."

Oh and did I mentioned that there is a whole lot of unresolved feelings and issues between Niall and Irial? *Does eyebrow push-ups* Ah the complexity fills me with smiles. Now off to start the next book in the series!

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series (click the name for review) ~

#1 Wicked Lovely, #2 Ink Exchange, #3 Fragile Eternity, #4 Radiant Shadows, #5 Darkest Mercy, - Novellas (Set between books 2 & 3): Stopping Time, Old Habits.

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa, Tithe by Holly Black, Need by Carrie Jones, Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton, or Paranormalcy by Kiersten White.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here
Add to your Shelfari: here
Add to your Goodreads: here
Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

B.J. Kenney

Wicked Lovely - Almost Perfect!

Title: Wicked Lovely

Author: Melissa Marr

Series: Wicked Lovely, Book #1
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Page Count: 352 Pages (Paperback)

Pub. Date: May 1st 2008 by HarperTeen (first published 2007)
Rating: 4.5/5

~Book's Description from Goodreads~

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty—especially if they learn of her Sight—and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost—regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.

~My Review~

I am re-reading this series because the fifth and final book (Darkest Mercy) was just released.

In this story Ash is a teenage girl who has always had the sight - the ability to see the evil faeries that coexist with humans, unseen and dangerous. She lives by her grandmother's set of rules to keep her safe from the evils she can see. When Ash draws the attention on a very powerful faery boy, all of those rules are tested.

Alongside the mystery of the fey stalking Ash, we get to see her developing relationship with her friend Seth. Seth has always been her safe haven, but can Ash trust him with the truth - or with her heart? I love Seth, he's one of my all-time favourite book "heroes" (it may have something to do with being sexy and pierced).

I liked this book the first time I read it, and loved it the second time. I love Marr's writing style, I fell into the story and was wrapped up in her world. The characters are so easy to love - even the "bad" ones. The tone of the book is a bit darker, Marr doesn't pull any punches when it comes to her fey, they are creepy, beautiful, and very complex. I loved the mix of old faery mythology with her new world, it just worked perfectly for me.

This series just keeps getting better after this book, so definitely pick it up if you haven't read it yet. I looked over a few reviews and was surprised by the varying opinions. I feel as though I liked Wicked Lovely better after I read the other books, there is so much more to the story and the characters in it, that I couldn't fully appreciate the first book until I understood more about the world. That said, my original rating was 4/5 the first time I read it so it is great as a stand-alone too.

My Rating: 4.5/5

~ Other books in this series (click the name for review) ~
#1 Wicked Lovely, #2 Ink Exchange, #3 Fragile Eternity, #4 Radiant Shadows, #5 Darkest Mercy, - Novellas (Set between books 2 & 3): Stopping Time, Old Habits.

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa, Tithe by Holly Black, Need by Carrie Jones, Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton, or Paranormalcy by Kiersten White.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here

Add to your Shelfari: here

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here

Early Review - Outside In by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Outside In

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Insider, book #2

Genre: YA, Dystopian

Page Count: 320 Pages

Pub. Date: 02/22/2011

Rating: 5/5

*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

~Book’s Description From NetGalley~

ME?
A LEADER?
Okay, I did prove that there’s more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion—between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we’re free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again—while still touching base with Riley, of course. He’s the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there’s outside and then there is Outside.
And something from Outside wants In.

~My Review~

I absolutely loved Inside Out so I had high hopes for Outside in - and boy did it deliver. I love the dystopian genre and this series has definitely brought a great new flavor to the mix.

Outside In picks up shortly after the events of Inside Out (if you haven't read I.O. yet the rest of the review will contain spoilers) in the broken world of Inside, where the oppressors have been removed but the people are far from free.

One of the things I liked most about this book was its very existence. There are so many stories where the people fight to break free from oppression/dictatorship and the story ends along with the battle for freedom, but in this book, as in the real world, we know that the battle may be won but the war is far from over. I appreciated the realistic handling of how the Scrubs reacted to being "free" - they fought, they went on strike, and they were divided without a common cause.

I was very pleased with Trella's growth as a character and the development of her relationship with Riley. Much like Inside Out there are lots of new things for Trella to discover and tough choices for her to make. We get to see more from our favourite characters, as well as some colourful new ones.

Overall I enjoyed Outside In just as much as Inside Out and would definitely recommend you pick it up on February 22nd!

My Rating: 5/5

~ Other books in this series ~

#1 Inside Out, #2 Outside In

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, or the Opal Cowen Series by Maria V. Snyder.

~Links 4 More~

Author Website: here

Add to your Shelfari: here

Add to your Goodreads: here

Buy it at BookDepository (free shipping): here