Fatal Tide By Lis Wiehl, with Pete Nelson

Book Description In East Salem, the elite St. Adrian’s Academy is at the nexus of a satanic apocalypse—and the fatal tide is rising. When Hieronymus Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights is reunited with the pagans who commissioned it, a dark prophecy begins to unfold in East Salem, beginning with a savage double-murder by hellish creatures straight out of the painting itself. The lone survivor of the attack, a seventeen-year-old Brit, finds sanctuary at Tommy Gunderson’s home—and the place is soon surrounded by demons who seem to be biding their time…but for how long? Tommy’s pond has been contaminated with Provivilan—an insidious drug that could transform New York City’s children into an army of violence-addicted murderers. But for an occult cabal in the upper echelons of Linz Pharmaceuticals, contaminating the water supply is just part of an ancient conspiracy against all of humankind. As the clouds gather, Tommy and Dani realize they must infiltrate Linz and St. Adrian’s to stop the dissemination of Provivilan. Even then, it could take a tangible eruption of the battle between angels and demons to save humanity from the supernatural evils that have been summoned to East Salem.

Finally, the last installment of the East Salem series is here. I was so excited when I know it's coming out and couldn't resist myself to get the book immediately. And similar to the 1st and 2nd installment of the series, Lis Wiehl together with Pete Nelson did not fail to surprise me with more suspense and excitement in this final book of the series. The story continues from the ending of the 2nd installment. So it is recommended that you read the series from book 1 onward to understand the whole story.

In this last book, the characters introduced from the 2nd installment were playing more important role, working hand in hand with Tommy and Dani on fighting the demon. The battle started right from the beginning of the book, making me so nervous and at the same time worry for them. In the whole book of more than 300 pages, many things happened and the time span was only 5 days, detailing the role of each person played and the dangerous of their actions in the whole battle. The authors have shown excellent skills on weaving the emotion, suspense, and twist and turns of the events into the story. I would say there is no single hero in the whole battle, everyone plays an important role in fighting the demon. And of course, God already has his plan for everyone in this whole thing.

I love this series very much. The whole series is full of mystery, suspense, excitement and definitely a page turner. And I love the ending too. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher through BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Reaping Me Softly (The Reaper Series #1) by Kate Evangelista

From Goodreads: - Ever since a near-death-experience on the operating table, seventeen-year-old Arianne Wilson can see dead people. Just as she’s learned to accept her new-found talents, she discovers that the boy she’s had a crush on since freshman year, Niko Clark, is a Reaper. At last they have something in common, but that doesn’t mean life is getting any easier. All while facing merciless bullying from the most powerful girl in school, Arianne’s world is turned upside down after Niko accidentally reaps the soul of someone she loves. This sends them both into a spiral that threatens to end Arianne’s life. But will Niko break his own Reaper’s code to save her? And what would the consequences be if he did?

Reaping Me Softly is an interesting read. It's nice to read something that is not vampire or werewolf in the paranormal genre. The author did a good job in developing the plot as well as the characters in the story. Niko was a refreshing character. I like how he took care Arianne and trying his best way to protect her. Arianne was a kind and a lovely girl who cared a lot for her family. I envy her best-friend-like relationship with her sister Carrie. And how far she would do for her sister. Arianne's best friend, Ben is a very likeable character too. And I was not surprise of his action at the ending. Another very interesting character here was Death. Kate made Death and his minion, the reaper totally different from the 'traditional'. The idea of the reaper could grow old like normal human being, and then be reborn, made the romance between Niko and Arianne very possible. I won't say the ending is unpredictable. But I really did not see the "losing memory" part coming. And honestly, I'm anxious to read the next installment of the series.

I enjoy reading this book very much. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) by Cassandra Clare

From Goodreads: - When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . . Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

I find the story is quite interesting. However I feel the pace is rather slow. There are lots of actions throughout the whole book. I admire Clary's courage. She did not show any fear after knowing about her mom and her true identity. Instead, she embraces the upcoming challenges with open heart and courage. I salute her for that. And I'm glad that she's not alone in her journey. Besides the main characters, I find the other supporting characters are equally shinning in the story. And they all play an important role throughout Clary's adventures in the Shadowhunter world. The ending is a little out of my expectation. And made me can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Overall it's quite a good read. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

Darkness Rising (East Salem Trilogy #2) by Lis Wiehl

From Goodreads: - The evil that's in East Salem is no longer content to hide in the shadows. The stakes-and the darkness-are rising. Dani Harris thought there wasn't much left that could surprise her after serving as a forensic psychiatrist in East Salem. And Tommy Gunderson has faced few challenges in his life that he couldn't overcome by either physical strength or his celebrity status. But as they race to uncover what's really happening behind the high walls of St. Adrian's Academy, it becomes clear that supernatural forces have been at work here for generations. And now their focus is on making sure Dani and Tommy don't interfere. When the unseen becomes seen, faith is the only weapon strong enough to fight in a battle involving not only murder and betrayal-but angels and demons.

I like the first book in this series very much. The writer is very good at creating suspense making it a page turner. In this book 2 of the series, the story continues where Waking Hours left off. In my opinion, it's ok to read book 2 without reading book 1, but I would still recommend to read book 1 to have better understanding on the back ground of the characters as well as the case.

In this 2nd book, Dani and Tommy continue to work together on the case. And this time, both Dani and Tommy's ex come into picture which make their relationship a little more challenging. The plot of the story is amazing. I like the twists and turns and the suspense elements in the story. I can never expect what will happen next. Once I started reading, I just could not stop. I like both characters of Dani and Tommy a lot. They are mature, strong, insightful and have faith. I can't wait to further read about the development of their relationship. In this 2nd book, the devil has finally emerged. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

I enjoy reading this book very much. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Taste by Kate Evangelista

From Goodreads: - At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans. When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn't realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

I was attracted to the book cover and the storyline of this book. And as I started reading, I just could not put it down. I was drawn into their world and both Demitri and Luka were irresistible.

The book is quite an easy read. The story is very original. And the pace is good, except I feel that it's rather rush towards the ending. Characters are well developed. While it shows how attractive Demitri is to Phoenix, but I don't think it shows or explains how Demitri has developed deep feeling for Phoenix. I wonder is there any sequel to this book.  

I enjoy reading it very much. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

The Ruby Kiss by Helen Scott Taylor

Title:         The Ruby Kiss Publisher:     Dorchester Publishing Imprint:     Dorchester Publishing Pub Date:     November 01, 2011 ISBN:         9781428511774 Author:     Helen Scott Taylor A POWERFUL NIGHTSTALKER Nightshade hungers to bring the strong and beautiful to their knees beneath the ecstasy of his bite, but he has never known sexual lust—not until he meets Ruby McDonald, the curvy redhead who wields attitude and strength like an ax, and who would be the perfect mother of his children. Caught in a clash between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, he vows not only her survival but also to win her heart. A MORTAL WITH A SECRET Plagued by magic inherited from a father she never knew, Ruby wants answers. Nightshade has them. And when he crashes into her bedroom late one night, the fairy’s silvery eyes, dark intensity, and striking black wings tempt her with a whole lot more: a mysterious world waiting to be explored, a dangerous love that binds her in body, mind, and spirit…and the children she thought she could never have. Ahead looms a choice between freedom and a power some would kill to possess. Should she deny her desires, or succumb to the seduction of… THE RUBY KISS

This is actually book 4 of The Magic Knot series. I actually have never read other books in the same series, but I don't really have much problem picking up this book. It is mostly about Nightshade and Ruby. How they met, and then how their relationship developed from then. There are lots of actions and adventure on this story. At times, I feel a little frustrated with Ruby. She is a goddess, she has power and yet she could not use her power. Each time she has to rely on others to protect her, to help her. And so coincidence, both Nightshade and Ruby have very selfish father, who only care about themselves and not the children. I like Troy and Devin though. Nightshade is so lucky to have them as his friend. As they are willing to do anything to help Nightshade and Ruby, even if require them to sacrifice themselves. The ending is good. If you like fantasy and paranormal, you may like this book.

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.


Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon

From Goodreads: On the morning of her sixteenth birthday, Renée Winters was still an ordinary girl. She spent her summers at the beach, had the perfect best friend, and had just started dating the cutest guy at school. No one she'd ever known had died. But all that changes when she finds her parents dead in the Redwood Forest, in what appears to be a strange double murder. After the funeral Renée’s wealthy grandfather sends her to Gottfried Academy, a remote and mysterious boarding school in Maine, where she finds herself studying subjects like Philosophy, Latin, and the “Crude Sciences.” It’s there that she meets Dante Berlin, a handsome and elusive boy to whom she feels inexplicably drawn. As they grow closer, unexplainable things begin to happen, but Renée can’t stop herself from falling in love. It’s only when she discovers a dark tragedy in Gottfried’s past that she begins to wonder if the Academy is everything it seems. Little does she know, Dante is the one hiding a dangerous secret, one that has him fearing for her life. Dead Beautiful is both a compelling romance and thought-provoking read, bringing shocking new meaning to life, death, love, and the nature of the soul.

This is the first book for the Dead Beautiful series. I actually read the second book before reading this first book. So I sort of knowing their relationship but it does not hinder me from enjoying reading this book 1.

Renee was devastated after foung both of her parents were died on her sixteenth birthday. And then she had to leave her best friend and other friends behind to go to a boarding school where she had no friend there at all. And I would say she handled it very well, show that she's independent.

Most part of the book was about Renee's life in Gottfried Academy. Despite the strict school rules, with the interesting subjects, new friends, and things that happened last summer at that school, made Renee's new life very much interesting and adventurous. Imagine the excitement sneaked out the bedroom through fire place after the curfew; secretly dating a guy who did not socialize with the other students; being called to headmistress for breaking the school rules. Renee was a smart girl, and always speak for her mind despite it got her into trouble. And she determined to find out the truth of her parent's death, as well as what happened last summer in Gottfried.

With the new environment and new friends, Renee started drifting apart with her previous best friend. While her roommate Eleanor became her best friend. I actually feel pity to Eleanor, as what had happened to her was not her fault. She was a victim. A very unfortunate for her. The ending was unexpected.

In overall, it was a good read to me. There was enough mystery and suspense to make me keep on turning the pages searching for the answer. There were also some "oh no" moments that made me worry for Renee, eager to know what would happen to her.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

Title:         The Demon Lover Publisher:  Random House Publishing Group Imprint:     Ballantine Books Pub Date: 12/27/2011 ISBN:      9780345526274 Author:     Juliet Dark I gasped . . . or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn’t draw breath. . . . His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked in my breath and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh. Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name. But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart. Juliet Dark is the pseudonym of an award-winning and critically acclaimed literary suspense writer.

Firstly, the book cover is very beautiful. The pace of the book at the beginning was rather slow. In fact, the pace throughout the whole book was not fast. However there was enough mystery and suspense that made me keep on reading, searching for the answer. The author was very good at the detail description with the setting, which make the whole thing looks creepy and mysterious. There are quite a number of characters in this book. I was wondering who is friend and who is enermy. And you have to read until the very last page to figure it out.

Despite the pace, the story was beautifully written. Callie is strong, independent and soft hearted too. She knows what she wants. I do not like her bf, Paul. Even though Callie was hiding something from him, I guess he could be more sensitive and give more trust to her. It was rather unexpected to me knowing about her grandma's real identity. I like the part when Callie tried to banish the incubus the very first time. However when she was doing it the second time towards the end, I was like "huh that's it? So easy?" that kind of feeling. I thought it would be more challenging.

In summary, it was a good read - dark and mysterious. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.