Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Book Blurb
Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.
Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces
 . . . or else.
With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin?

My Review
I read this one on the cruise one night last week, when I couldn't sleep and my cabinmates were passed out.  It was a very quick read- I read the Kindle version, but I can't imagine the book being too thick.  It pretty much hit the spot of what I was looking for- fun, easy, light book to pass the time.
Characters


Sam is our hero.  As I read it, I realized I don't often read books with a male-as-main-character.  Not sure why, but in any event, I did like Sam.  He was funny, loyal, and snarky.  His point-of-view was my favorite to read in the alternating narrative style of the book.  I thought he was the most developed and credible of all of the characters in the book.

The minor characters are unfortunately, quite flat.  I think Brid is supposed to be the heroine of the book, but I really couldn't get a sense of her as I read.  She doesn't seem to have any flaws, and her narrated chapters were so few I don't really know what purpose they served.  The other minor characters were likeable, but again, not very developed.

Plot
The pacing was pretty quick, but there was a lull in the middle where it seemed like nothing seemed to happen to the hero and heroine, and gave some background information from the minor characters' perspectives.  One thing that was missing was an element of world-building about the mythology of the characters- I'm not sure how all the supernaturals are structured, or how they coexist yet.  Of course, it's the opening book in a series so I'm sure that will come out as Sam learns more about his supernatural world.  Oh, and another thing I liked about the story was that it was funny- I love humor in books.

Relationship
The romantic relationship was a dud for me.  I didn't really get a sense of a strong connection between the characters.  It was very light on romance- definitely not an epic love story.

Overall
I liked it- fun book and a series I will try to keep up with.  I'm interested to see where the story goes.  4 Stars :)

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Book Blurb
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.


My Review
I absolutely adored this book- it was so hard to put it down.  It is by far the best angel Y.A. book I have read yet!


Characters
The characters were so well-done.  NONE of the characters seemed flat to me- and I'm picky about characterization.  I really enjoyed putting together bits and pieces along with Clara to learn about her friends, love interests, and "purpose".  Clara was an extremely likeable, and still realistic, teenager.  I loved the friends that she made in Wyoming, and that the author took the time to build each character so that they felt real.  


Plot
It's hard to talk about the plot with out spoiling, but I'll just say I don't think the book blurb/product description gives it credit- because it makes it sounds so generically paranormal YA.  I'll just say it was tight plotting, and that I can't wait for the next one to see where the story goes- I feel like there is a lot more left to come.  


Relationship
Wow. Wow. Wow.  I loved how Clara's relationship with Tucker developed.  I was reading as fast as I could to see what would happen between them.  Lots of spark, major connection, and perfect pacing.  


Overall
I really loved this one. It's definitely my favorite book so far of 2011.  5 stars

Hexbound by Chloe Neill

BOOK BLURB

Lily Parker is new to St. Sophia's School for Girls, but she's already learned that magic can be your best friend-or your worst enemy. That's why Lily has to learn how to control her newly discovered paranormal abilities while fighting the good fight with her best friend Scout as they take on Chicago's nastiest nightlife-including the tainted magic users known as Reapers...

My Review

The entire time I read this, I kept checking my Wishlist on Amazon.com, trying to pick out what I wanted to read next.  I don't think that was a good sign.  I also found myself making excuses for putting the book down (I don't usually volunteer to do dishes or take out the trash).  Here goes...

Characters

I don't want to be too harsh, but none of the characters were developed from the last novel, and they have nondescript personalities.  The dialogue is stilted and unrealistic.  OK, that was harsh, but honest.  What teenage boy calls the girl he likes "kid" or "kiddo"?  I think the author was going for Buffy-esque quipping during tense, dangerous moments, but it just did not translate.

Plot

I think part of the problem is that I lost interest in the series since it has been about a year since I read the first one.  But, yeah, I totally missed the climax- it was very noneventful from start to finish.  Nothing really seemed to happen.  I am also a bit confused on the Adepts' purpose- they don't really seem to do anything but walk around and hope to thwart an evil plan.  I'm sure it will be developed in the future books- there was a bit of foreshadowing about smaller plot lines, but nothing ever really happened.

Relationship

No fireworks.  It's like Jason and Lily immediately became an old, married couple.  I predict that the relationship will be over in book 3.  

Overall

Just about the only good thing I have to say is that I love the cover and look of the book.  However, I doubt I'll continue on in the series.  Two Stars :(

Awakened by P.C. Cast

Book Blurb

“My love, speak to me.  Tell me everything.”  Neferet went to Kalona, kneeling before him, stroking the soft, dark wings that unfurled loosely around the immortal.
“What would you have me say?”  He didn’t meet her eyes. 
 “Zoey lives.” Neferet’s voice was flat, cold, lifeless.
“She does.”
“Then you owe me the subservience of your immortal soul.”  She started to walk away from him.
“Where are you going?  What will happen next?”
 “It is quite simple.  I will ensure Zoey is drawn back to Oklahoma.  There, on my own terms, I will complete the task you failed.”
Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey.  Dominion over Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z.  But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there.  Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it?  Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either…
And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim?  The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship?  Does he betray his father or his heart?
In the pulse-pounding 8th book in the bestselling House of Night series, how far will the bonds of friendship stretch and how strong are the ties that bind one girl’s heart?


My Review
I just love this series.  I read each new installment praying that it won't disappoint (it seems inevitable in a series that one of the books doesn't resonate with you).  This book I really enjoyed.


Characters
This book gives you a taste of most of the characters we have grown to love, with alternating narratives.  I wouldn't say any of the characters make any giant leaps in their development, except possibly Stevie Rae.  I missed some of the characters in this book- I don't want to spoil, so I'll just say some are in the background of the action instead of the forefront like I had hoped. Also, our villain Neferet continues to be pretty flat in terms of being evil incarnate- I wish we could see a more human side of her.


Plot
I continue to be surprised in this series.   I had a vague recollection of the series when I started the book, but within the first few chapters I felt caught up.  I really liked that the female characters made less ridiculous slurs against women (i.e. calling other characters "hoes")- that was one part of the series that never sat well with me.  There is one plot line that I was confused about as it played out- I had no idea where it was going, but then it was dropped in the second half of the book.  I guess we'll see if it gets picked up in the next installment. The book ends on a cliffhanger (of course!), and I am very intrigued to see how it plays out.  


Overall
Even if in my heart I know these aren't the most sophisticated books, I still really enjoy them.  4 Stars, and I'll be waiting for the next one.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Book Blurb

In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time.

My Review

This book made me cry, at the airport, in front of complete strangers.  I had it on my Kindle for awhile, but when I went to read it, I couldn't remember what it was about, so it was a blind read.  For some reason, I thought it was about faeries, but not so much in reality.

Characters

Wow.  The characters in this book felt so real to me.  Tons of character development weaved in throughout the story.  Every character, major and minor, had a story and was unique.  The characters are what made this book great.  Only minor complaint is that sometimes they felt really perfect- not as many obvious character flaws which help lend credibility to the characters.  

Plot

The story is told as Mia recalls memories of her family when she is in an "in between state" of life and death.  Beautiful narratives of her family, friends, and boyfriend.  That's the main plot of the story.  

Relationship

Mia and Adam had a solid relationship.  They weren't the perfect couple, and Mia had some insecurities, but Adam was a good guy throughout the story that she depended on.  It was clear that the two had a love that is rare in high school relationships, but it wasn't over exaggerated to be an EPIC ROMANCE.  It felt very real.

Overall

I enjoyed this book- definitely worth 4 stars.  I'm embarrassed by my public weeping, but it's cathartic.  I looked up the next book in Mia's story, Where She Went, and I can not wait to read it (it comes out April 5th). It'll be told from Adam's perspective, 3 years later.  

The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty

Book Blurb
The Ashbury-Brookfield pen pal program was designed to bring together the "lowlife Brooker kids" (as they're known to the Ashburyites) and the "rich Ashbury snobs" (as they're called by the Brookfielders) in a spirit of harmony and the Joy of the Envelope. But things don't go quite as planned. Lydia and Sebastian trade challenges, like setting off the fire alarm at Brookfield. Emily tutors Charlie in How to Go On a Date with a Girl. But it's Cassie and Matthew who both reveal and conceal the most about themselves -- and it's their secrets and lies that set off a war between the two schools.


My Review
I read this a couple months ago, so some of the details are a bit fuzzy.  But what I do recall is absolutely adoring this book.  I loved the characters, the humor, the writing style, all of it!  In fact, I just "lent" this Kindle book out to my little sister.  She has 14 days to read it, and if she wastes my one lend-out, I'm going to be mad!


Characters
I loved all three of the girls, Emily, Lydia, and Cassie.  They are funny, loyal to each other, and completely lovable.  The author did a great job of narrating each character- sometimes characters can blend together in books with multiple narrators.  These girls had distinct personalities and idiosyncrasies.  The boys were also funny and amusing, but I'd say the three most dynamic characters for me were the girls.


Plot
Great pacing for this one- I was never bored and it wasn't totally predictable.  Towards the end the plot gets a bit outrageous and incredible, but at that point I was so hooked on it that I didn't mind.


Relationships
The girls are great friends to each other.  The romantic relationships keep you guessing and on your toes.  Not at all steamy romances, but so sweet and fun.


Overall
I have nothing bad to say about this book!  I pretty much loved it from start to finish!  4 Stars :)

Kiss It by Erin Downing

Book Blurb

A girl’s gotta do who a girl’s gotta do.Chastity Bryan has never been shy about going after what she wants. And when sexy, mysterious, so-not-from-this-town Sebastian walks into Chaz’s life, she knows in an instant that what she wants next is him. Chaz has no intention of playing for keeps—but she most definitely has intentions. Who needs true love when you’ve got true lust?
Sebastian has no idea what he’s in for—but maybe neither does Chaz….


My Review
So, I read some other reviews about this book before posting my own, because I really didn't know what to say.  Other people seemed to enjoy it a lot more than I did, so bear that in mind as you read this.


Characters
I didn't like Chaz!  She is confident, loyal, and preoccupied with boys- not bad ingredients for a teen romance book.  I actually should have identified with her more- smart, from a small town, eager to get out.  I think my problem is that she reacted to things in ways I never would, and so even though she is a likeable character, I just couldn't really connect.  I could never get a grasp on her feelings towards anyone in her life- she seemed ambivalent a lot of the time and didn't act in accordance with her feelings.  Something just seemed a bit off about her.  The rest of the characters were pretty flat.  Intriguing, mysterious love interest.  Best friend who is a complete opposite and foil to main character.  Intrusive mother. Etc.


Plot
Light on action, heavy on Chaz's inner turmoil and musings.  Not a lot happened from start to finish, which is realistic for a small town I guess.  There were events that happened to each of the minor characters in the book which Chaz reacted to.  Not my favorite.


Relationship
I liked Sebastian and Chaz.  They are the one part of the book that redeemed itself for me.  The attraction was there, the tension was there, and the mysterious reason for not being able to be together for 90% of the book was there.  I liked wondering who Sebastian was, and watching Chaz figure it out.  


Overall
Unfortunately, it was an "ehhh" book for me.  Nothing is inherently wrong with it, it's just not my thing.  I'd have to give it 2 stars based on my own enjoyment.