Darkest Mercy - An Epic Finish!

Title: Darkest Mercy
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Wicked Lovely, Book #5
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Page Count: 336 Pages (Hardcover)
Pub. Date: Published 2011 by HarperCollins
Rating: 5/5

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.

The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.

~Twisty Series Sum-up~

(warning: spoilers if you haven't read the first 4 books)

Seth became a Faery (son of High Queen Sorcha) so that he could be with Ash - who is the Summer Queen and is fighting the feelings she developed for the Summer King Keenan, while Seth was away. Keenan is in love with the new Winter Queen Donia - who has pushed him away in fear of killing him for his closeness to Ash. Seth is also a declared brother to Niall, the new Dark King who used to be Keenan's advisor, is currently an ally to Donia, and is in love with the former Dark King Irial (who is now dying). Both Dark kings are in love with Leslie - who is Ash's mostly mortal friend from before she became Faery. They are all unstable and confused but one thing is for sure, they all want Bananach dead.

~My Review~

Everyone has to face their demons in Darkest Mercy. Melissa Marr pulls in all of the main characters from the mortal side of the veil and makes them face the consequences of their actions - or inactions in some cases.

A collection of love-sick and mourning regents have to face off with War, or risk losing everything to her. I was happy to finally get to the fight that was looming ominously over the fey for the entire series.

I won't go into too much detail on the events of the book , as I wouldn't want to ruin anything, but I will say that even with the losses and compromises, this book (and series) ended perfectly for me.

Melissa Marr was already on my favourites list but she managed to impress me even more in Darkest Mercy. The action was intense, the love threads were all tied up, and the overall plot brought everything together from the whole series, just wonderful. I am so glad I read this series, not only are they beautiful on my shelf, but they are beautifully written.

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: here

Bumped, Megan McCafferty - 4.5/5 Great Read

Title: Bumped
Author: Megan McCafferty
Series: Bumped, Book #1
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Page Count: 336 Pages (Hardcover)
Pub. Date: Published April 2011 by Balzer + Bray (Imprint of HarperCollins)
Rating: 4.5/5

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents are forced to pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid infused food.
Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Until now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend Zen, who is way too short for the job.
Harmony has spent her whole life in Goodside, a religious community, preparing to be a wife and mother. She believes her calling is to bring Melody back to Goodside and convince her that pregging for profit is a sin. But Harmony has secrets of her own that she is running from.
When Melody is finally matched with the world-famous, genetically flawless Jondoe, both girls’ lives are changed forever. A case of mistaken identity takes them on a journey neither could have ever imagined, one that makes Melody and Harmony realize they have so much more than just DNA in common.
From New York Times bestselling author Megan McCafferty comes a strikingly original look at friendship, love, and sisterhood—in a future that is eerily believable..

~My Review~

In a world where teens are the only people able to conceive Melody is praised for her choice to be a surrogate. Her twin sister Harmony, raised by "the churchies", however is not happy about her newfound sister's choice and has set out to change her mind.

With all the dystopian fiction flooding the bookshelves lately, I was pleasantly surprised by Megan McCafferty's fresh take on the genre. The conflict surrounding the society in Bumped isn't post-apocalyptic or struggling under oppression as so many are, it's an amplified struggle that we face today - we make our choices based on fear, fear of poverty, fear of rejection, and in more cases than not a miss-placed fear of God.

I was sucked into the story of Melody and Harmony, and their struggle to know what is the right thing to do. I felt compassion for the Harmony, who is trying to balance what she knows is true in her heart, and the rules she feel obligated to follow. Melody wants to fulfil the role her parents have trained her for. Both sisters start out the book making their decisions based on fear and manipulation, but grow throughout their struggles to a place where they can start to think on their own.

The ending wasn't as wrapped up as I wanted it to be, but after finding out that Megan McCafferty is writing a sequel, I am actually glad she ended it the way she did. Bumped was a light and fun read that also really made me think.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC

My Rating: 4.5/5

~ You'll like this series if you liked ~

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, Unwind by Neal Shusterman, or Matched by Ally Condie.

~Links 4 More~

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

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