"Hanging by a Thread" by Sophie Littlefield

NOTE: I received this title from Netgalley to review.

I just finished reading the book, and thought I should go ahead and write the review right away, while the story and characters are still fresh in my mind.

So, here's what I have to say: The story was original, as in I haven't read anything like it before. It was a unique concept, where the heroine had this special ability to read people's thoughts, memories etc. by simply touching their clothes. I thought that was pretty cool skill, though I confess it could turn cumbersome.

Anyway, I really liked the story, because it wasn't at all obvious. I mean, I had no idea what was going on until the very last moment. I also liked that it wasn't all that long, and it was a quick read.

What I didn't like was a couple of things:

1. This is a YA novel, and of course the topic of sex was not excluded. But the way it was written, like the main heroine (Clare) didn't at all care who her first time was with...... well, let me just say that I wouldn't want my daughter read such a book.

2. There were a bunch of times when the inner narration of Clare was so spontaneous and erratic, I had to wonder if certain scenes weren't just added to the book after it was finished. They sure sounded like patches stitched over a garment.

3. The closeness between Clare and Jack developed so fast, it seemed a bit overdone. I mean, there was time for their feelings to actually develop. Instead, they were just there for no reason.

Here's a bit about the characters:

*Clare is this sweet girl, who has a great talent with designing clothes. I honestly thing her style was weird, but hey, we all have our bugs. Sometimes she went way off topic in her head. Her reasoning sounded a bit naive at times, but I liked it that she didn't give up on figuring out the town's mystery.

*Jack, a.k.a. Mr. Bad Boy wasn't given time to actually develop as a character. Yeah, we see his angry side and his super sweet side, but umm.. it wasn't enough for me. I mean, Clare pretty much threw herself at him... but ... why?? Whatever reason did she have to do so? Yeah, he was cute and mysterious and all, but he was still a stranger.

*Rachel, Clare's best friend, was supposed to be this super responsible girl, that everyone loved and looked up to. But I didn't see anything responsible about her. She wasn't sweet, or reasonable. I mean, she got in lots of trouble for partying, and her membership in this very prestigious club depended on her good reputation, and still she didn't miss a party. She didn't miss getting drunk beyond any reason. I can say that I really didn't get to like her.

Anyway, I think that's all I have to say about this book. If you're curious about the story - go ahead and read it, I'm sure it won't disappoint. But if you're looking for a great book with extra complicated characters.. I'd recommend you go look somewhere else.

My rating is:

"Soul's Gate" by James L. Rubart

NOTE: I received the book from Netgalley.

One word: POWERFUL!!!

Technically, Soul's Gate isn't considered a YA book. However, there's absolutely nothing adult in it, except the characters, so it's perfectly safe (and I even recommend it) for teens to read. It was a very very powerful book, that shattered me from the inside out and built me back again. It was INCREDIBLE!

In fact, let me share something with you - there were moments when my skin was crawling with goosebumps while I read. The power of the Spirit was so strong, it was dripping from each and every page. And when I finished the book, it felt like it had been I who'd gone on the journey inside a person's soul. I can't describe the feeling, but it was absolutely amazing! I'm sure going to reread it!

So, even though the author says the book was most of all about freedom, to me it felt like it was about trusting in the Lord beyond any reason. Trusting that He's always with us, always helping, always keeping us standing, no matter how difficult our situation is. True, freedom was among the main concepts, and I really did feel free after reading it.

Also, the entire novel spoke of how regrets, mistakes, hurt, people's words affect us as people; how even if we want to, the enemy never lets us forget that we'd sinned, that we still sin. But we must remember this: HE HAS FORGIVEN US. And that is enough. Amen.

If you want to delve into something so deep with the Spirit that you wouldn't want to get out of it, but jump even deeper, Soul's Gate is the book for you. It will bring you such a rush, you would never want to go back to real life.

My rating is:

"The Lost Prince" by Julie Kagawa

NOTE: I received this book from Netgalley and MiraINK in exchange for my honest review. Thanks!

The last book I read of the Iron Fey series, The Iron Knight, was a huge (and I can't stress enough how huge that is) a disappointment. Until that book I'd loved Ash and Puck and Meghan. The Iron Knight made me dislike them.

So, when I requested The Lost Prince, I was a little biased. I wondered whether it would be more like the first three books, or like the fourth one. Turns out it was different from both.

In fact, it was so different that I was pleasantly stunned! I totally loved Ethan's voice! His brooding, cranky behavior. His courage, his boldness, his reservation. He was just the perfect boy - not bad, but not all that good either.

In other words, The Lost Prince was just the right dose of thrill, romance and paranormality that I'd needed at the time. Hence my rating.

The story was pretty original, fey wise; the characters were lovable, and I can safely say that I enjoyed it very much.

Kenzie was my favorite character of the lot. She was so sweet and adorable. I sensed something was the matter with her, but only when she told her story did I realize exactly what it was. And yet she was brave about it, which made her enter my heart in deep.

So, whatever you thought of the previous Iron Fey books, whether you liked them or not, that shouldn't take a toll on you acquiring The Lost Prince. It was an amazing book! You should definitely read it!

My rating is

"The Paladin Prophesy" by Mark Frost

NOTE: I received this book upon request from Netgalley.

I absolutely loved this book. While I was reading it, I felt the same excitement and anticipation I usually feel when reading Harry Potter, so that must say a lot. The story, I think, was unique and captivating, and the storytelling was done masterfully.

To be honest, I had a completely different notion on this book before I sat down to read it. For one, I thought it would be a high fantasy novel (paladin, duh!), and two, I believed it would be a story of magic. It was neither. Sure, it had paranormal elements, but nothing of the fantasy sort, and there was absolutely no magic.

But, there was a very high level of technology implementation, which I think totally rocked! The author's imagination is absolutely fantastic, and I will be definitely waiting to read the second installment of this series.

Also, there was this incredible list of rules mentioned throughout the novel, which the main character was supposed to follow. Those rules ranged from paranoid to hilarious and I totally loved them!

Now a bit about the characters.

*Will West, the main character (though I don't actually remember if he was telling the story or if it was a third person POV) was this super smart kid, who scored waaaaaaaay above the average on an IQ test. And he hadn't even tried. Unfortunately, that score drew the wrong (and also the right) kind of attention, and a bunch of men in black suits started following him with the clear intent to dispose of him. So Will had no other choice but to run. Except that he wasn't completely going to safety.
Through it all though, he remained unfazed, strong and brave. I really and truly loved him as much as I love Harry Potter.

*AJay was a tech wiz, who knew everything and could do anything with a bunch of wires and some micro chips.

*Nick was a dude with mad skills in any sort of martial arts one can think of.

*Elise was this amazing, even if brooding, girl with a brain and skills of her own. (Loved her, by the way)

*Brooke, for now, seems to be nothing special. But since Will has a thing for her, I suppose next book would reveal her skills. I sure do hope so.

In conclusion, the only thing I can say is that I fully recommend you read this book. You'll enjoy it, I promise.


My rating is