Book Review: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

Summary:

Vengeance will be hers.

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

Monster.

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions - her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost - the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

THE FINAL HUNT IS ON.

NOTE: I received the ARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

It's quite amazing how each book in this series made me laugh & cry and bite my nails in expectation of what would happen in the next chapter. Yet, The Forever Song was, in a way, so much more intense. It was darker and at times painful to read and stomach, but the sense of hope that lingered on each page was the ray of light that pushed me to read on.

Writing style:
Elegant and enticing, Julie Kagawa has once again crafted a story which is excruciatingly impossible to put down.

Story line:
The final book in the Blood of Eden series, where we see different sides of our favorite characters, we go through events and adventures that have us laughing and crying. The book where love, hatred and hope all come together.

Themes:
- The monster living inside each one of us: can we control it? Do we satisfy it's hunger or find a different way to keep it happy?
- Hatred and revenge: what could come out of such an emotional combination?
- Love can be all forgiving, could be glorious and eternal only if you let it. If you pour your heart in it.
- Hope is ever present. It heals all wounds and brings light where there is none.

Characters:
Alison had me really worried in the first several chapters. The darkness that she'd let loose inside of her, threatened to consume the goodness that remained in her vampire heart. But then... when the time came to act out of pure evil, she couldn't make herself do it. I admired her strength and determination to live like a human, despite being in every way a human hunter. Once again, she proved that the monster living in each one of us, that basic evil that dwells in the deepest recesses of our mind and heart, could be put under control.

Jackal had me cracking up half the time, taking a lot of the gritty edge off the story. He also had this extraordinary ability to irritate me (and Alison) with his constant remarks that Alison was being too meek for caring for the 'meatsacks'. But, there was this other, better side of him that poked out in the weirdest of times.

Kanin has always been the vampire with morals, with ancient guilt, with compassion. He lived for ages carrying the weight of the doomed world on his shoulders. That's why the moment he saw a chance for redemption, he grabbed it right away. I liked his strength and the confidence he had for Alison. He was a great mentor and I'm sure, even though he didn't much show it, Jackal loved him in his own way.

Zeke appeared almost out of nowhere. I expected him by that point, but gee! Definitely not the way it happened! He was unrecognizable and no wonder – he had spent some quality time with that looney dude Sarren. For quite some time I thought the real Zeke won't ever come back. I thought (and cried about it) that the Zeke I knew from books one and two was lost forever. Thank Julie that she isn't so cruel.

Sarren, that psychotic lunatic, made me want to be sadistic for a chance. Toward him that is. I wanted to drag him for his non-existent hair and put him through the worst tortures human kind had ever thought up. He did not deserve to die like he did. It was way too peaceful. For all things he did, all the people he killed and tormented... he deserved to suffer a hundred painful deaths.

In conclusion:
A master of prose, Julie Kagawa has once again delivered a story of quality and meaning. The dark edge of her Blood of Eden series is impossible to ignore and I recommend it to lovers of gritty YA books.

My rating is:

Waiting on Wednesday #

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.
My picks this week are:

#1

Title: The Forever Song
Series: Blood of Eden, Book #3

Genre: dystopian
Audience: YA

Author: Julie Kagawa

Release date: April 15th, 2014
Publisher:  Harlequin Teen

Summary:

VENGEANCE WILL BE HERS

Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster?

With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.

MONSTER

Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions—her creator, Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost—the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, triumph is short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.

 Why I want to read it:

Are you kidding me? This is perhaps the ONLY vampire series that I'm addicted to! Julie Kagawa has made an incredible job depicting the monster inside each of us.

#2

Title: Sacrifice
Series: The Elemental Series, Book #5

Genre: paranormal romance
Audience:  YA

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Release date: September 30th, 2014
Publisher:  Kensington Teen

Summary:

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick is used to pressure.

He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it out for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, gets that. She’s got a kid of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could end her life without a moment’s notice.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s “bad luck.” Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war.

They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn’t the white flag type anyway. There will be blood on the ground tonight…

  Why I want to read it:

Because this is the final book in the series and I want to know how this will all end. Good thing it's coming out this year too, because the wait would be excruciating otherwise!

So how about you? What amazing book are you waiting on this week?  

NOTE: To those of you who haven't noticed, I'm featuring a giveaway of 1 copy of Jennifer L. Armentrout's White Hot Kiss. Yeah, you got it - it's the 1st Dark Elements book. The trick here is, if there are A LOT of entries on it, I'll be choosing TWO WINNERS!!! So, go sign up and tell your friends! TO GIVEAWAY!

Cover Reveal: The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been waiting to see the cover of The Forever Song for like EVER, y'all!!!!!! I'm so so happy that it's actually very pretty in the most sophisticated way! I love, love, LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Besides, it matches my color theme, so what more could I possibly ask for?

Just look at this prettyness!!!

Well, I'm not exactly thrilled that this series is about to end. Frankly, I enjoyed it very much and will miss Allison and Jackal and Zeke.

Whatever, I'm not into this sentimental stuff, so forget I said anything. But you know, I still meant it!

Oh, and if you'd like to read an excerpt of it, Julie's got one posted on her blog! Yay! So just follow this link, and voilá!

Book Review: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

NOTE: I received this book from Mira INK in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, I want to say that I love this cover even though Keirran looks very scary (and not at all 17). But it fits his moods and change of heart/soul pretty well.

To be honest, I was left with the impression that I like Ethan's story more than Meghan's. But when I think of the burning passion that Meghan and Ash shared.... and all the incredible quests they went on together.... goodness, Ethan's got nothing on it. So I guess I can say that The Iron Traitor, if looking at it separately, is quite an impressive piece of read. But if compared to the rest of the Iron Fey books... it's a bit weak.

For example, Ethan only ever questions things in his head, without really voicing his concerns, or thinking of the consequences of his actions. None of the information that is given to him is ever considered important enough to remember and act on. Like that prophecy that he was told of...why not learn more? Or the vision the Oracle shared with him... why not heed it's warning somehow? Being a smart guy and not figuring things out... well let me say that I was quite a bit disappointed in him.

Then there's Keirran. Goodness, did I want to smack him in the head with a brick! Why oh why did he have to try all things dark and forbidden to save Annwyl before trying the light and easy path first? Why is the obvious way always the disregarded one? A little bit of thought on his side would've saved at least a couple of lives. But no. Prince Dark and Brooding is determined to do things his own way, fight his own battles, even though the price for the outcome he wants is always way too high to pay.

Gosh and Kenzie? I have not seen more stubborn girl in my life. Even though she's struggling with leukemia, which by the way is taking it's toll on her, she decides that she had to follow Ethan into the Nevernever and bring even more trouble their way. Because truly, the only thing Ethan ever worries about is whether she's safe, which takes a lot of his concentration no matter what he's in the middle of doing. I understand her view - not wanting to go down without a fight; wanting to see things beyond the normal; yada yada. But honestly, if her safety and health is all that Ethan worries about, then he's bound to get deep in trouble. So, I guess, I think she doesn't care that much about him, and that's just sad.

Well, the characters aside, this book was packed with lots of action scenes that got me reeling. I was really taken deep into it, enjoying every bit of the countless adventures that Julie crafted for us readers.

My rating is: 4/5

Book review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Oh my goodness! This was one cruel cliffhanger!!! It got me so reeled up, I even dreamed of Allie and Zeke!

Anyway, as my readers know by now, I don't love vampire fiction. In fact, I so much dislike it that it borders on hate. But

Julie Kagawa has once again managed to blow my wits to bits. I L-O-V-E-D The Immortal Rules so darn much, I just couldn't help but red The Eternity Cure too. But I can't say that I loved it. Oh, no. That would be highly underestimated. It was amazing! So beautifully written, so mysteriously woven with twists and turns that you could hardly see coming! I was pumping with adrenaline the majority of the time, not knowing what to expect lurking behind the corner!

Full review available here.

Book Review: 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.

To read full review, please click here.

In her shoes ~ 32 ~

Every Tuesday I will pick a character I've read about recently, perhaps even the week before, and try putting myself in her shoes. What things would I do differently? What have I learned from her behavior? That kind of thing. You are welcome to participate if you want, just please link back, so we could build a nice community of followers. Thanks!!! :)

The last book I got to read was The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa. In fact, I just finished it last night, and I can say it was amazing. I still need to write my review though.

Anyway, I wanted to share with you the character of Kenzie (MacKenzie) St. James, who happened to stumble upon the world of Ethan Chase, the Iron Queen (Meghan Chase's) brother. Ever since Kenzie made it her business to get to know Ethan better, her world turned by 180 degrees.

The normal world that she was used to living in was replaced by the world of the fey. In the beginning, it appeared that Kenzie wasn't at all shocked by the strangeness, that she took everything normally. But truth was, she was terrified, even if curious and ready to explore at the same time. Still though, she didn't show her freight, she didn't show her inner fears.

Kenzie was brave and ready to risk her own life for the good of others. Even if those others had hurt her, she still did her best to help out and put herself out there for them. I was simply impressed by her openness and generous nature and love for the beautiful things in the world.

Whose shoes would you like to step into this week?

My Monday gets!

I had been waiting for a while for a couple of books to arrive in my mailbox. And guess what I got this Saturday???? The books! The amazing, super cool books, courtesy to Mira INK. Thank you very much Elise for sending me those ARCs!

And, as you can see, I've already started on The Lost Prince. It captivated me from the very beginning, and I can't wait to get into it!!

So how about you? What did you get this week?

Waiting on Wednesday #33

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.
My pick this week is:

Title: The Lost Prince

Series:  The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten, book 1

Author: Julie Kagawa

Release date: October 23rd, 2012

Summary:

Don't look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase's unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he's dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister's world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myths and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

My name is Ethan Chase. And I may not live to see my eighteenth birthday.

 Why I want to read it:

Do I need to actually answer the question? Because really... gorgeous guy... faeries... Julie Kagawa... Hello? And that totally awesome excerpt I read from the Iron Prince, which was included in the Immortal Rules.... Of course I'd want to read it!!!! And guess what? I got it from Netgalley!!!! So Ya-hoo!!! :DDD

So how about you? What amazing book are you waiting on this week? 

GIVEAWAY REMINDER:

One giveaway is currently running at my blog. You can check it out and participate here 

Oh, and please leave links to your WOW posts, so I can stop by! Thanks!

Awesome Book Extras!!!!

Hey guys!

I've got some awesome news that I'd like to share with you!!!

MIRA INK has just released a new digital Paranormal sampler including four free chapters and video content from bestselling authors Rachel Vincent and Julie Kagawa and up and coming paranormal stars Michelle Rowen and Kady Cross. The whole thing is absolutely FREE - enter a dark and thrilling world of dangerous magic and unforgettable romance…

You can get it here from Kindle (with video): http://amzn.to/KKl8Vv

Here from Kindle (without video): http://amzn.to/MmN429

And here from google: http://bit.ly/MqMiPC

 

I also saw it on Netgalley, so check it out!

In her shoes ~10~

Every Tuesday I will pick a character I've read about recently, perhaps even the week before, and try putting myself in her shoes. What things would I do differently? What have I learned from her behavior? That kind of thing. You are welcome to participate if you want, just please link back, so we could build a nice community of followers. Thanks!!! :)

Well, my post today belongs to Allison Sekemoto from Julie Kagawa's 'The Immortal Rules'. If you haven't read it yet, you can check out my review here.

And if you have, well you should know why I picked her.Allison is a strong willed survivalist. She scavenges the city of New Covington, along with many others, in search for random scraps of food or anything useful that might lay buried somewhere, forgotten. And even though she isn't the group's leader, the qualities are right there, under the surface. She's protective, caring and full of ambition to show the humans that they aren't just cattle for the vampires that rule the world. Not that anyone cares to listen.

She's always been a fighter, though not in the literal sense of the word. She's been strong willed, brave and driven by the desire to one day repay the vamps in full for what they did to her mother.

But then, when one expedition outside the city walls goes bad, she finds herself faced with a decision. To die human or to die a vamp.Truly, I can't blame her for what she chose. It's what she did with that choice that made her unique and special. Because even when Turned, she retained her love for the human, and in the darkest times of her Hunger rages, it was the human in her that saved her from killing.

That is one strong heroine that completely won my heart. What girl did you chose this week?

Book Review: "The Immortal Rules" by Julie Kagawa

Oh. My. Goodness! I am not a freaking vamp book lover, I swear I'm not, but Julie Kagawa got me breathing this story!!! So much that I couldn't get enough of it!!! Seriously, I'm so amazed that she could pull it off, I am almost speechless. Almost. Because I've got a review to write. And here it comes...

The writing style was superior, making the story flow smoothly from one chapter to the next. The characters, and I mean ALL of them, were developed completely like separate identities, as it should be. Each one had a different, distinguished personality, and even though they existed in a fictional world, they all felt realistic. I could feel their emotions - the pain, the hunger... the love. Their thoughts were my thoughts. It was simply brilliant. (more)