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Justine's books

Last Sacrifice
My Soul to Take
My Soul to Save
My Soul to Keep
My Soul to Steal
Wings
Spells
Illusions
Sing Me to Sleep
Girl Stays in the Picture
The Eternal Ones
Beastly
Ash
Huntress
Secret Society
The Trust
Ascendant
Rampant
0.4
Fairy Tale


Justine's favorite books »

Friday, 4 January 2013

Review #67: Deceiving Destiny- Nadege Richards


Title: Deceiving Destiny
Author: Nadege Richards
Pages: 302
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book by the lovely Nadege Richards in The Bleeding Heart trilogy that I have been lucky enough to read and review. This start of this book is exactly how I like series to continue, by starting off where the last book ended. Especially in cases like this, where the first book Burning Bridges left off right at a good part. The P. O. V. 'S still switch effortlessly between the two main characters perfectly. I love how this novel was so different from the first one, but still meshed seamlessly. 
I feel that the characters have grown a lot in this book. Most of all Echo, because now she not only has to look out for her best interests but the interests of the whole group. The other members of their crew look to Echo for direction, she had to learn to be a great leader very quickly. She faced tough choices and had to stick by them even if it meant losing people in order to have a favourable outcome. Ayden is still a big part in the book, but mostly as Echo's support system as she learns the hard truths about her past and future. Theoughout the novel a few characters are lost, but we also gain a couple of main characters who will definitely shake the last book up. 
Another great read from Nadege Richards and I would recommend this book and series to any Nadege fans and to any readers who love a adventure with a touch of dystopian thrown in. I feel that these books can and will be a huge hit. I am really looking forward to reading the last book and everyone check the series out and add it to your TBR piles.


About this author



Born in New York City and raised in Pennsylvania, Nadege has traveled to five other states and two countries, but aspires to travel the world some day. Her name is of French origin, though she's never been to France. Forever a lover of art and all things pertaining to Literature, she hopes to obtain knowledge from her writing career, rather than popularity or fame. She wrote her first story about aliens and goats in the 8th grade and has had a passion for story-telling ever since. Her friends and family are her biggest inspiration, and the occasional cup of coffee. She enjoys being part of the Indie community and sharing her stories with the world.

Her debut novel, Burning Bridges, is her first completed novel. It isn't her first attempt in the writing world, but it's a tale about two lovers she hopes will change the way people view one another, in both big and small ways.

Review #66: Burning Bridges- Nadege Richards


Title: Burning Bridges
Author: Nadege Richards
Pages: 311
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love this cover, it draws you in and once you have read the book you learn the significance of it. This book is amazing for a debut author. It starts out with so much action and emotion that it is hard not to fall in love with the story. This novel fits into the dystopian/ historical genre but also has modern qualities. I enjoyed how the first and last chapters were the present, while the whole middle part was what happened leading up to the predicament that the characters find themselves in. I also enjoyed how to P.O.V. Switches between the two main characters, which sometimes is hard to do but Nadege Richards pulls it off effortlessly. 
Also I really liked the characters. Echo is a great main character because she is so strong, brave and will fit for what she believes is right even though she knows that she will be punished for her choices. Echo also doesn't conform to the royal norm. Echo has a bit of an attitude but I really loved it. Ayden is also a character the you can love and respect. He pretty much raised his younger siblings and helps put food on the table while his dad drinks his pain away and his mother slowly succumbs to her illness. I really hated Noah because he was so slimy and I hope he gets what is coming to him. 
Overall, an awesome read. Nadege makes it very easy to lose yourself in this book and not want to be found. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, it's that good. I will be starting the second book right away to find out where the story is going from here.



About this author

Born in New York City and raised in Pennsylvania, Nadege has traveled to five other states and two countries, but aspires to travel the world some day. Her name is of French origin, though she's never been to France. Forever a lover of art and all things pertaining to Literature, she hopes to obtain knowledge from her writing career, rather than popularity or fame. She wrote her first story about aliens and goats in the 8th grade and has had a passion for story-telling ever since. Her friends and family are her biggest inspiration, and the occasional cup of coffee. She enjoys being part of the Indie community and sharing her stories with the world.

Her debut novel, Burning Bridges, is her first completed novel. It isn't her first attempt in writing world, but it's a tale about two lovers she hopes will change the way people view one another, in both big and small ways.

Thursday, 3 January 2013

Review #65: Red Madrassa- Terah Edun

Title: Red Madrassa
Author: Terah Edun
Pages:
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. 
When I started this book I didn't think that I was going to like it because I found that there were a lot of characters and different points of view going on that it got pretty confusing. But once I got past those first chapters the pace sped up and I could easily remember what character was who. Tareh Edun creates a magical world that I could effortlessly lose myself in. This world had a variety of Mages and magical creatures to keep you interested. 
The characters were also very well written. I found myself growing attached to each of the characters as time went on and I keep wanting to learn more about them.i can't wait to continue the series and find out what is going to happen with these fast friends. I did find the book to be a little like Harry Potter, but in a good way. For instance, one of the characters has a project where she has to make this oil, her and her partner have to collect all of the supplies but we don't find out if it worked in this book. Also I really want to find out what will happen with Bella and what made her become so mean? What will happen now that the love interest is back in the picture? There is just so much interesting stuff going on but we don't know what will happen with any of it in this novel. I want to know NOW what is going to happen.
Overall the book started off slow but picked up quickly. I really enjoyed the subtle hints of LBGT and racial diversity present throughout the novel. Every character that made an appearance leaves their mark. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy read or any readers who just want a good book. I will be patiently waiting for the next book in the series.



About this author

An international development professional by day and a fantasy author by night. Her debut YA epic fantasy novel, RED MADRASSA, published on November 8, 2012.

Sworn to Raise, the first in the Courtlight series, will be out in March 2013. Casbah Guardian, the second book in the Algardis series, will be out in May 2013. 

She's pretty good about getting back with emails. Just be aware that she lives in a country with pretty bad internet. ;)

Wednesday, 2 January 2013

Review #64: Flight Feathers- Terah Edun

Title: Flight Feathers
Author: Terah Edun
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This short story is definitely short but it packs a punch. It introduces you to a world of Mages and mythical creatures. This one specifically is about griffins. It shows you that the world is a cruel p,ace but that there are still good people. It's filled to the brim with emotion. I can't wait to dive into the full length novel.


About this author


An international development professional by day and a fantasy author by night. Her debut YA epic fantasy novel, RED MADRASSA, published on November 8, 2012.

Sworn to Raise, the first in the Courtlight series, will be out in March 2013. Casbah Guardian, the second book in the Algardis series, will be out in May 2013. 

She's pretty good about getting back with emails. Just be aware that she lives in a country with pretty 
bad internet. ;)

Review #63: Background Noise- Peter DeMarco

Title: Background Noise
Author: Peter DeMarco
Pages: 126
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Review: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a book that I wouldn't normally read. It contains both YA and adults aspects. I found it was a little awkward for me when the main character Henry starts talking about masterbation when he is only 13 years old. And the scenes where there is sex kind of talk weirded me out. I think it was because it was coming from the mind of this male character and not sugar- coated like most books. I liked that the book was made up of short stories about Henry, but at the same time it was confusing because they jumped all over the place and didn't really have meaning. When I finished the book I didn't fell like I had gained anything from it. It's kind of a book about nothing. I still feel like even though the book was about Henry I still don't know anything about him.


Tuesday, 1 January 2013

Review #62: The Lady of Chains and Other Stories- V. Shaw

Title: The Lady if Chains and Other Stories
Author: V. Shaw
Pages: 153
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book more then I thought I would. It is a compilation of short stories that are amazing. Even though these stories were short they had a way of crawling inside you and planting themselves and left you wanting more even after the stories were long over. The stories are so well written that I want them to all be full length stories and I want to read them all. They just gave you a like peek at what could be a series. 
V. Shaw shows the reader a different take on the classic Hansel and Gretel. Also V. Shaw takes the reader on an original ride with each of the other stories, The Lady in Chains, Rogan and the Gargoyle and Silent World. Also I loved the horro element that was present in every story. V. Shaw is an author to watch out for. When the full length novels are released they will all be hits and I can't wait to read them.

Review #61: Exposing Kitty Langley- DeAnna Kinney


Title: Exposing Kitty Langley
Author: DeAnna Kinney
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Review: I received this Arc free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Reading this book was my pleasure. I love DeAnna Kinney's writing style. This book was a quick and easy read but with a strong message. I found a lot of truth to the story because tons of people deal with bullying on an everyday basis. I found this to be a pretty severe case of bullying, where the bullies not only physically bullied Kitty, but also mentally and psychologically. I just feel like so many readers would relate to this book whether they were the bully or bullied. I liked that Reed saw what was going on and knew it was wrong and did everything in his power to help Kitty. I'm glad they found each other or I don't know how far the bullies would have taken their torture.
I really respect Kitty for standing up to those mean girls even though she knew that it would make her life a living hell. I definitely would not have been able to endure what she had to go through. I'm glad that Kitty could take the bad and make it good. Reed also grew on me. He was the hero, the hot guy but didn't know it. I believe that if Reed hadn't have been there to help Kitty that the story may have ended differently, and not in a good way. I also liked Haley, even though she was mean to Kitty in the beginning I felt like she realized that being mean to Kitty was wrong and to do the right thing. As I loved how some characters from Charity's books made appearances.
I would recommend this book to everyone. DeAnna Kinney has a way of grabbing the reader and not letting go. I can't wait to see where Reed and Kitty's journey goes. Thanks again DeAnna for another spectacular read.



About this author



I am a wife and mother of three, ages ranging from 4-17. I have been writing my whole life but only in the last 4 years have I gotten serious about it, and now I'm obsessed. Besides writing, I love reading, the color purple, Star Wars, decorating on a budget, and dancing while I cook(I can see my kids rolling their eyes as we speak). I believe whole-heartedly that chocolates and a good book go hand in hand. And, having experienced it myself, believe utterly in the power of true love.

I am very hands-on with my fans and thrive on their interaction. I also enjoy finding authors I love and then helping them promote their works. In doing so, I also benefit. You know, give and it shall be given and all that. 

My upcoming works include:

Charity Series Book 3(No title yet)
Exposing Kitty Langley
And maybe something about Zombies, Bullying, Vampires, and perhaps the end of the world, although not necessarily in that order.