The Glass Casket by McCormick Templeman

The Glass Casket by McCormick Templeman, 352 pages

If you love dark fairy-tales, and folklore, you will love this book. It is well-written with twists and turns that will keep your head spinning. The book is very fast paced - much like Red Riding Hood - and almost as dark. It does contain some content that might not be suitable for younger readers. The publisher recommends grades 8 and up. 

Hexed by Michelle Krys

Hexed by Michelle Krys, 384 agonizing pages

The books description had me excited about reading the story. A witch that doesn't now she's a witch with a mom that is murdered for her Witch Bible and now Indigo has to do everything in her power to obtain that bible or lose everything. However, it ended up being a very dumb, horrible waste of time. The characters are the kind you love to hate. The main heroine is suppose to be in the top three of her class, but she's as dumb as a box of rocks. The love triangle is ridiculous as well.  Too much time is spent wallowing at teen parties and other silliness that drags the story on.

Black Butler (Manga) by Yana Toboso

Black Butler (Manga) by Yana Toboso, 704 pages
v. 5 - 176 pages  - Introduces Prince Soma and his butler Agni. Earl Ciel Phantomhive has Sebastian enter a curry contest to win the Royal Warrant and foil the plan of an ambitious business owner who will stop at nothing to get what he desires... including blackmailing the prince's own butler.
v. 6 -176 pages - Children are disappearing without a trace. The trail seems to follow the circuit of Noah's Ark Traveling Circus. What better way to infiltrate than to become a part of the circus act?
v. 7 -176 pages - Having successfully infiltrated the circus, Ciel and Sebastian must now discover what sinister plots lurk under the big top. Most especially why there is a letter written with Ciel's name and birth date on it.
v. 8 -176 pages - Uncovering the secrets held inside an estate, Ciel faces a living nightmare from his past. While Ciel and Sebastian are battling away from the Phantomhive manor, the servants of Phantomhive will have to protect Ciel's home from invasion. As the chapter closes on Noah's Ark, yet another case awaits for the Queen's Watchdog.

Library Wars by Kirro Yumi

Library Wars by Kirro Yumi, 2176 total pages
book 1 - 200pgs, bk 2 - 192, bk 3 - 200pgs, bk 4 - 200pgs, bk 5 - 200pgs, bk 6 - 200pgs, bk 7 - 200pgs, bk 8 -200 pgs, bk 9 - 192 pgs, bk 10 - 200 pgs, bk 11 - 192pgs

The federal government has taken censorship to an all new level. Any book, magazine or publication that has anything the government has deemed "unacceptable" is promptly banned and, if attained, destroyed. Society became complacent and allowed the extreme censorship to take place. Now, to protect the collections of libraries, the Library Force has been created. When Iku Kasahara is rescued by a Library Force member during a government raid at the bookstore, she is quick to fall for her mystery hero and wants to be just like him. When she is old enough, she enrolls in the Library Force and learns the ins and outs of protecting the freedoms of libraries and museums. Each volume takes you through her training, her attraction to her instructor and each team member she interacts with as she brings justice to the libraries. The books quickly got addicting. They are fast paced, well scripted and perfectly illustrated. The story is on-going so you can't just pick up anywhere in the series and know what's going on. Each book builds on the next. Content is appropriate for older teens as there is violence and social issues mentioned that might be a bit much for younger readers. The treatment of women in the stories is definitely questionable. They are often placed in stereotypical roles and usually lower than men. 

Lips Together Three Times by Laini Taylor

Lips Together Three Times by Laini Taylor, 265 pages
(3 short stories)

Quite honestly the only thing I enjoyed about the three stories in this book were the illustrations. They were absolutely amazing and fit so well as a mini-preview of each story. Of the three stories, I liked "Goblin Fruit" and "Hatchling" the least. "Spicy Little Curses" had more of a plot line making the story more enjoyable than the others. Because they are short stories, to say anything about them would give too much away. I will say that the first deals with goblins and will have you shaking your head at the very stupid main character. The second deals with hell and back - and is intriguing. The last is just way out there.

Sweet Rein by Sakura Tsukuba

Sweet Rein by Sakura Tsukuba, 200 pages

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I am glad this manga book was recommended for me to read. It is absolutely hysterical! Reading took some getting used to, but - once I got the hang of how to read it properly, I couldn't put it down. It's very fast pace. The main character, Kurumi, is sad but not surprised to spend yet another Christmas Eve alone because her father has to work yet again. That is until she finds herself tethered to an unknown boy around her age by a rein. While she freaks and tries to detach herself, the boy literally is exuberant that he has found his Master and proceeds to get a little too close for comfort. Kaito is really a reindeer and Kurumi is the Santa he has been destined to be bound to. At first Kurumi is mortified to discover this truth, but soon starts to fall for Kaito (which is NEVER suppose to happen). Sparks fly throughout the pages. It's a very entertaining read. The supporting characters are well done. This three part series is more suitable for older teens and adults. 

Autumn Rose by Abigail Gibbs

Autumn Rose by Abigail Gibbs, 385 pages
(Book 2 in Dark Heroine series)

I think all the built up anticipation for this book over the last year is likely the cause of so much disappointment. The story was well done, but lacked the attraction of the first book in the series. 15 year old seer Autumn Rose is one of the Dark Heroines we read about in the first book. I will admit after meeting her through the eyes of Violet Lee (the main character of the first book), I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about who she was. This book gives us a look into her life (how her grandmother died, what role she plays in the school/Sage/her world) and what part of the prophesy she fills --from her point of view. She is a sage, a duchess no less, who acts as guardian for her public school until the day the Sagean Prince Fallon shows up. Romance, mystery, murder, and secrets follow in the building of the story. The interaction between Prince Fallon and Autumn Rose is not as intense as it was between Voilet Lee and Kaspar... Likely that is because Fallon and Autumn are young teens, but I still think the author could have done more with their story.  I hope the next book in the series is much better than this one. (I had to drag myself through the last 10 chapters). I think I'll hold off on purchasing it until I've borrowed it first.

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge, 352 pages

With the release date of today, this is a must have for every teen/adult collection.  This is not your Disney fairytale with a heroine who has a heart of gold.This story is written exactly how Beauty and the Beast should have been written. All the characters were appealing. I especially loved the clever bantering between Nyx and Ignifex - had me in giggles more often than not. The world building was done well enough to invoke the images of a foreboding castle filled with, magic, mystery and darkened corners. A touch of Greek Mythology, along with other world beliefs made this story blend so smoothly into a fascinating tale. Mystery, romance, revenge, deceit, suspense and terror all rolled into one. This is a must read/buy for everyone. I hope to read more like this. Well done Rosamund Hodge ... I couldn't put the book down once I started reading.

The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens

The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens, 432 pages
(The Cynster Family Series - Sister Cynsters)
*includes sneak preview of "Where the Heart Leads" by Stephanie Laurens

 Headstrong, domineering and completely independent Mary Alice Cynster is the last of her sisters to be eligible for marriage. Since the fact that she is the remaining unmarried Cynster -- a very old and well off family -- it stands to reason that she will have her pick of men and can be choosy. She has determined she will not marry anyone unless she is sure she can be the "boss of the home." With a special necklace passed down from generation to generation that is suppose to determine who you will marry, Mary is sure she will make the right choice. She did not, however, take into account Ryder Cavanaugh, Marquess of Raventhorne ruining her plans. His looks and his demeanor have earned him the title of the Lion of the ton. He has Mary Cynster in his sights and he isn't about to let someone else claim her as their bride. He is definitely the perfect match for Mary Cynster, and it will take Fate's hand to prove it. Not everyone agrees with Fate, though, and mysterious happenings begin to occur that put both Mary and Ryder's lives in danger. Will they discover the person(s) behind the attacks in time? Read the book to find out!

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers, 387 pages
(2nd book in His Fair Assassins series)

Dark Triumph focuses on Sybella's life more so than the historical facts of the time. Sybella has been raised by a monster of a father and has experienced all forms of abuse at his and her brothers' hands. Her story grips you to the soul as you experience the madness that touches her mind from being forced back into the life she thought she was free of upon becoming one of Death's handmaidens -- an assassin for the god Mortain. The abbess of Mortain has sent Sybella back to the very hell she came from. Her mission - to discover what her cruel earthly father is up to and how it can harm/help the cause for Duchess Anne. We first met Sybella in the first book Grave Mercy. I'm thrilled that this book was dedicated solely to her though we did get to visit with all the characters from the first book. From Sybella's cruel past to her most awesome future, this was a fantastic read. I have to be careful to not give too much away. The romance, mystery, murder, cruelty, compassion and loyalties that Sybella discovers in her story are well worth the read. I was very thrilled that the Beast had a role to play in Sybella's story as well. He was a very strong and like-able character in Grave Mercy -- deserving of some attention to his own story.

Black Helicopters by Blythe Woolston

Black Helicopters by Blythe Woolston, 166 pages

Sick and twisted this book reads like you are in the head of a person with schizophrenia. Valley lives with her mom, Da and brother Bo in the wilds - or so you get the impression. They are survivalists living in the modern USA-- Although at some points it feels apocalyptic. Da is definitely not all there and teaches his children to be violent people who fear/hate the government. When the mom passes away, he blames it on the government. Everything that goes wrong is the government's fault. Bo is an odd ball. You get the impression that he might not be all there mentally or at least lacks a moral compass entirely. Valley is treated poorly by those around her. She is physically, emotionally and sexually abused. The extreme sexual abuse gets pretty descriptive at a certain point in the book and she is forced to watch it play back on video by her abuser. Most readers will find child pornography and child molestation very disturbing and should avoid this book. We watch as Valley slowly drifts into the world where her life no longer matters and she becomes a suicide bomber by her own choice. The book is bleak, sad, horrible, and shows just how sick and twisted a mind can become when subjected to extremes. There are no happy endings, no answers ... just complete chaos and confusion until the end.

Ash by Malinda Lo

Ash by Malinda Lo, 272 pages


A lesbian retelling of Cinderella, Ash is the story of an abused girl who is pursued by a fairy but she ultimately gives her heart to the one woman who showed her kindness. The storytelling is excellent although I was disappointed after being led on that something special was developing between the main character and the male lead only to have the plot twist in the end. I've never been a fan of "pretend to love someone while loving another" type stories, but this book was well written if very sad to me.

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz

Blue Bloods by Melissa De La Cruz, 302 pages
Book 1 of the Blue Bloods series

An interesting twist on Vampires. In the story, they are actually fallen angels trying to make their way back into heaven. They prey on human blood because that is what gives them the ability to keep living their lives (reincarnation) until they "get it right" and get back into heaven.
Schuyler Van Alen is part of Manhattan's most elite and exclusive circle. She attends a private school with very few students. When a student is murdered, Schuyler discovers things about her society that she had never imagined possible before. With the help of her friends, she must discover the mystery of who/what is hunting the elite and why. She will also find keys to her past that unwrap a whole new world of questions.

The Dark Heroine: Dinner With A Vampire by Abigail Gibbs

The Dark Heroine: Dinner With a Vampire by Abigail Gibbs, 534 pages
(book one of The Dark  Heroine series)

Romeo & Juliet meets Twilight sums up what this book is about. Seventeen year old Violet Lee's life is changed forever when she witnesses a mass murder before her eyes and is taken prisoner by the murderers. Everything she thought she knew about her world is false. There are monsters in the world and they aren't just evil men. They are vampires. Caught in a web of lies and betrayal, Violet Lee's life is threatened on a daily basis. Yet she finds herself drawn to her captor, Kaspar, at the same time as loathing him. As their attraction for each other grows, truths come out that will shatter everything they hold dear.
I was done with this book in one day. It's pretty easy to figure out the plot line, but it doesn't stop the book from being enjoyable.

Apocalyptic Moon by Eva Gordon

Apocalyptic Moon by Eva Gordon, 362 pages

 Dr. Dora Adler is celebrating her 27th birthday in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Every female member of her family has died on their 27th birthday and she is worried the curse will make her its next victim. When she is bitten by a zombie, Dora fears the curse has succeeded in ending her life. Surprisingly, she doesn't succumb to the virus and instead becomes a guinea pig for a test facility. While there she meets a gorgeous alpha werewolf to whom she is immediately attracted. Together they attempt escape from the facility and try to find Dora's step-brother and niece. In the meantime, there is a huge war brewing between religious fanatics, human-hating werewolf packs and zombies.
The author seemed to have a lot of agendas in her writing -- Everything from gay marriage/parenting, to religion and politics are interwoven in the story. This might offend some readers. Still, it's an interesting mix of romance, zombies, werewolves, shape-shifters and witches. (Although I could have done without the graphic descriptions of zombies eating people.) I liked that the main female character was strong and intelligent. The storyline is a bit disjointed, but  enjoyable.

Bedding Lord Ned by Sally Mackenzie

Bedding Lord Ned by Sally Mackenzie, 352 pages

Loved this very light and funny romance story. Without realizing it, I had chosen the second book in the "Dutchess of Love" series.
 "On the shelf" Nell has determined to give up her pursuit of her childhood friend, Lord Ned, since he's never given her notice... and she wants a family. She attends the Duchess of Greycliffe's birthday ball for Lord Ned with a promise from the Duchess that she will have eligible bachelors there for her. Along for the ride are a pair of her red silk drawers (bloomers) which, with the help of a mischievous cat, keep finding themselves in the most embarrassing places to be discovered by none other than Lord Ned. Nell is dismayed with the continued appearance of her red drawers and the lack of appealing suitors, but she's determined to settle on someone for a husband regardless of her feelings. Lord Ned is ready to marry again after the death of his first wife. When he meets one very pretty young girl who is the image of his first wife, he thinks himself in love. But what of Nell and her sexy red drawers. She's not as plain and simple as he's always thought her to be and he's quickly finding his mind drawn to her more often than not throughout the whole hysterical affair.

The Queen Is Dead by Kate Locke

The Queen Is Dead by Kate Locke, 337 pages
(Book 2 in The Immortal Empire series)

I wasn't so impressed with this book as I was with the first. It seemed that the author simply tried to "tidy up" from her first novel and make connections. One particular character that comes back from the past left me shaking my head. The quick change from viewing certain characters as "evil" and then as heroic was a bit odd. The end seemed to be rushed and didn't have as much action as the first book in the series did. All in all -- I didn't dislike the story, but it could definitely have been much better.

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke, 354 pages
(Book 1 of Immortal Empire series)

This was a great read and I'm looking forward to finishing the series. Xandra's youngest half sister, Dede, has gone missing and she will do anything to find her. Nevermind that the authorities found a body that her sister and brother agree is Dede. Xandra senses something odd is at foot and starts out on a road that will lead her to startling discoveries about herself and the world she lives in. Xandra is a halfie - half human and half vampire. Vampires rule this world controlled by the Monarchy. Queen Victoria is still alive and kicking - ruling for 175 years now. Goblins, Werewolves and other creatures that go bump in the night are very much real. This is your classic Sci-fi/Fantasy Steampunk novel complete with twists and turns that will keep your head spinning. To say anymore would give too much away. This is a definite - must read for yourself book. It does have language, violence, torture, sex and some pretty graphic parts, but considering you have vampires, werewolves, goblins and humans ... it's kind of hard not to.

Persuade Me by Juliet Archer

Persuade Me by Juliet Archer, 368 pages
(Series - Darcy & Friends)

A modern retelling of Persuasion by Jane Austen, this story fills in the blanks where Austen left off ... if her book was set in modern times. The characters remain, for the most part, untouched - at least in personality if not occupation. Mary Musgrove is still her annoying self except that instead of being a hypochondriac she is an alcoholic who views Ann as the woman Mary's husband wants. (That whole Ann & Charles affair goes one step further than Austen's Persuasion did). Mrs. Clay becomes the fake French accent Masseuse named Cleo instead of the widowed daughter of the Elliot's lawyer ... a character I really enjoyed because she was so comical. Admiral and Mrs. Croft are just Mr. & Mrs. Croft - two retirees who decided to open up a nursery. Benwick is still a lover of poetry, but instead of his fiance dying before they could become married, she has run off with another man. That irritated me just a little, but again, the author was trying to modernize the story. The Musgrove family remains intact albeit a little more annoying.  As long as you read this book with an open mind and understand that a lot had to change to make it a modern retelling, you will enjoy this read.

Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep, 368 pages
Book 2 of Mythos Academy series

I was disappointed in book 2. The retelling of book one took up at least 100 pages of book 2. I found myself wanting to skip ahead because I felt like I was listening to a broken record.  It was really easy to figure out exactly who the "bad guy" was in this book. There really was no suspense and very little action. And the big secret that Logan is trying to keep from Gwen is really ridiculous. There were some good parts, but the bad really brought those down. I really hope the third book is much better. I might just browse it to see who Loki's Champion is and be done with it.