Review: The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin

The Becoming of Noah Shaw

Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Series: The Shaw Confessions #1
Pages: Hardcover, 1st Edition, 384 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: November 7th 2017

Summary:

In the first book of the Shaw Confessions, the companion series to the New York Times bestselling Mara Dyer novels, old skeletons are laid bare and new promises prove deadly. This is what happens after happily ever after.

Everyone thinks seventeen-year-old Noah Shaw has the world on a string.

They’re wrong.

Mara Dyer is the only one he trusts with his secrets and his future.

He shouldn’t.

And both are scared that uncovering the truth about themselves will force them apart.

They’re right.

Review:


I don't even know...

This book was depressing.
Noah was kinda boring, also in full on ostrich-sticking-head-in-sand syndrome.
Noah was depressing to read.
(I get that's kind of the point because he is depressed, but still.

I miss Mara, she was more interesting, especially now that she is fully manifested. Unfortunately, we don't get much of anyone else at all except for Noah.

The plot was...I don't even know!
I mean there was a stuff happening...kind of, but the characters weren't actually doing much of anything about it, till the last like 15%.

Too much shit happened in the last 15%.

And guess what? Not only do we not have any answers but there are so many more questions. It would have been nice if there was like, idk, a single book arc, and an overarching series plot arc, and oh, I don't know, have a resolution for the single book arc? Is that too much to ask?

This book just felt like a huge filler.

Am I going to read the next one? Yes, because I need freaking answers and I kinda want to know what crazy shit Hodkin is going to come up with next.


Rating: 

Ella

Review: The Unlikeable Demon Hunter: Need by Deborah Wilde

The Unlikeable Demon Hunter: Need

Author: Deborah Wilde
Publisher: Te Da Media
Series: Nava Katz #3
Pages: Kindle Edition, 428 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: August 18th 2017

Summary:

Less Hopelessly Devoted, more Worse Things I Could Do.

Nava is hot on the heels of a demonic serial killer and finally working with her brother. The assignment should be a dream come true, not a nightmarish power struggle made worse by her twin's refusal to believe there's corruption within the Brotherhood. Nava is determined to find proof of their dirty dealings, even as she risks irrefutably breaking her sibling bond.

Speaking of clocking annoying males upside the head... Nava is also totally over smoking hot rock star and fellow hunter Rohan Mitra. There is a veritable buffet of boy options out there, and this girl is now all-you-can-eat. So when her demon hunt brings her first love, Cole, back into her life, her revenge fantasies for closure-on all fronts-are a go. Except neither her old wounds nor her new ones are as healed as she believes.

Still, she's got work to do:
Brotherhood: unmask.
Demons: slaughter.
Guy problems: terminate with extreme prejudice.

Review:

This was so frustrating.. can I have the next book please?

Let's cut to the chase. I wanted to smack Nava. Hard. Quite a bit. The romance? Bloody infuriating one way ticket to frustration-ville. But I so enjoyed this book.
It's my favorite in the series not because of the plot or the romance but because I loved, nay adored the character building.
Book 3 picks up one months after book 2 and you get thrown right into the deep end. Lots of action and emotional dramas.
I was a bit annoyed by Nava and Rohan's situation. Okay, allot annoyed. One thing became really clear really fast however Nava needs to let go and start listening. I found her behaviour really frustrating. Pointing fingers, while doing the exact same thing. But she does get her act together, she does try and see someone else's perspective and I love how she resolves things in the end.
We get to see the twins in action together in this book and I love their codes and language, just as much as their disagreements. I think Wilde shines in this, their relationship feels real and tangible. Having siblings I know how one can at the same time be a total odd but love each other beyond anything. The bond between them, feels real.
The same goes to all the different relationships between the main cast. The issues between friends, the Rasha men views of life.. those details are brilliant and make the characters realistic, way more than in the previous books I connected to the crew. I care about them and can't wait to see what they up to next.

The plot is captivating, lots of action and plenty of dramas. But I feel a bit short changed when it comes to both mysteries. Neither was actually solved. Well the one case kinda was, but it is still open ended. The other, we got given so little, way to little. Yet I am not unsatisfied, because there is some closure and I can't wait to hopefully find out more on the mystery in the next book.

The writing style is witty and imaginative, I love it. Yet at times it felt a bit generic- some of the dialogues were a bit like good old classics from 80s blockbusters, especially at the beginning of the book. While I don't mind it much, it also isn't my favorite thing. Thankfully there are plenty of good dialogues and moments around, so the good outways the bad.

The world building was interesting. I actually would have liked some more. Lots of the world building was done in the previous books, there are some new additions, yet those weren't quite enough for me.
However those new additions were imaginative and fun - and just like with the rest of the book, I want more!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even if it was frustrating and heartbreaking at times. It is also swoony, exciting and insightful. My favorite in the series so far and I can't wait to get my hands on the next installment.

Rating: 

Review: The Unlikeable Demon Hunter: Sting by Deborah Wilde

The Unlikeable Demon Hunter: Sting

Author: Deborah Wilde
Publisher: Te Da Media
Series: Nava Katz #2
Pages: Paperback, 418 pages
Genre: PNR, Urban Fantasy
Release Date: month 1, 2013

Summary:

50% boobs. 50% sarcasm. 100% new breed of hunter.

After a bumpy start as the only female demon hunter in the top secret Brotherhood of David, Nava Katz heads to Prague for her first undercover mission: unmasking a demon movie star. She’d be all kinds of thrilled if it weren’t for the fact that her fellow hunter-with-benefits, Rohan Mitra, has reclaimed his rock star status and assigned Nava the role of groupie.

Rejecting her “be a good girl and follow orders” directive, Nava unleashes an alter ego guaranteed to hook their celebrity target and drive Rohan crazy. No downside–until she finds herself up against Rohan’s past, the Brotherhood’s antiquated thinking, and her own identity issues, turning her personal life into the bomb that could blow up the entire operation.

Sparkly and deadly; it’s a plan.

Review:

Wait! No!!! And now I have to wait until September. Damnation!
Excuse my profanity, but... Just as I was totally invested in Nava's story, the book ended. And now I have to wait.
Let's backtrack.

I liked book one of the series well enough, it was cute and fun. Totally Wilde's MO, if you ask me.
When I started this book I thought I'll be getting more of the same. Fun, cute, imaginative and your usual PNR rump. Great entertainment. In fact, The Unlikeable Demon Hunter kinda reminds me of Ghost Busters. I am talking about the entertainment factor, the fast pace and the fun dialogues. A bit of light entertainment, that is really imaginative. Oh and then there is the cool factor, that reminds me of Men in Black- just with demons and rabbis.

I wasn't quite buying Nav and Ro's connection until the last quarter of the book. And then, well Wilde went and ripped out my heart!

Somewhere around halfway, this took a turn from entertaining to me being totally invested in the characters. Because the MCs changed from feeling a bit formulaic to unique.
Wilde did a great job at the character building in this installment. There is way less cliche, more unique and a hell of a lot more unexpected.

The plot is fast-paced with a few great twists. There are still your big movie moments, the last scene included, but they now feel like the best thing ever. I honestly hope someone will turn this into an awesome series- you know like Alias but with demons.
Last but not least the world building becomes better and better. I love the mix of myth, history and fantasy. Well constructed!

My only little issue. I was a bit disappointed with how quickly the situation with Asmodeus was solved and I was left with a ton of questions.

Which brings be back to what I said right in the beginning: September? Really?


Rating: 

Review: Nocturne Falls Universe May 2017 -Part 3

Kristen Painter has extended the Nocturne Falls Universe and got a bunch of authors to write novellas. I think they are a must read for fans of the Universe. And also a great way to discover new author- or at least to me they were mostly new authors.
The first batch of releases were in January 2017. The second in now (in May 2017).

You can find the other reviews here:
Nocturne Falls Universe Review's Part 1
Nocturne Falls Universe Review's Part 2

Nocturne Falls Universe Review's May 2017 Part 1
Nocturne Falls Universe Review's May 2017 Part 2

The Mermaid Catches Her Mate

Author: Jax Cassidy
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Pages:Kindle Edition, 125 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: May 23rd 2017

Summary:

Luna Matsya is a local celebrity as a trendsetting hairstylist, but she’d prefer to spread her fin in a nice body of water rather than make a big splash around town. She’s starting to believe that her ability to live and walk among mortals is more of a curse rather than a blessing. Especially now that the flashy tent from a touring magic show is blocking her lake. Where’s a mermaid to swim when the slightest mistake can put her in the spotlight?

Ace Conall is infamous for his daring tricks and he plans to make history with an epic illusion before taking a lengthy hiatus. This is a chance for him to finally feel at home after harboring a secret that may be the greatest magic act never revealed. What he hadn’t expected was falling for a smart-mouthed siren tangled up in his plans.

Review:

If I had to describe The Mermaid Catches Her Mate in one word it would be: sweet.
It really is a sweet novella that reminded me of Ariel - and who doesn't like the little mermaid?
I was however equally smitten and not that taken by Ace. Don't ask me why, he felt a bit over the top and melodramatic to me. Just not quite it somehow.
In fact I was not a huge fan of the character building. The support cast felt a bit set up, if that makes sense. I mean they were somehow to conveniently whatever there needed to be and quite cliche.
Regardless this is well written, I liked the story line and the world building is quite fun.
Enjoyable read for sure.

Rating: 

⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯

The Nymph Next Door

Author: J.L. Farey
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Pages: Kindle Edition, 94 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: May 23rd 2017

Summary:

Laurel Barker is a nymph on a mission: find a new home for herself, her lackadaisical dog, and her tree. The free-spirited wood nymph is soul-bound to the tree she saved before it was cut down to make room for a golf course. She hopes that a town full of supernatural folks will be the haven she needs to finally put down roots. Because her tree isn't looking so hot, and if he dies, so does she. It's not a fate she cares to experience, especially after running into the too-hot-to-be-legal police officer in town. No matter how long her life has already been (and it's been long), he has her thinking about the next phase of it and how much fun it could be.

Aiden Morris became a big-city detective to serve and protect, but a soul-crushing accident put an end to his career and sent him running. He finds a level of solace in Nocturne Falls. Being a small-town police officer suits him, and his remote cabin gives him peace, quiet, and a safe place to shift and roam the woods. Life is about as good as he expects it to get. At least, until he meets the nymph next door. He can't stop thinking about her, especially when it seems he may lose her. And when the past comes looking for them, he has to decide whether to keep running, or stand by the woman who's planted herself in his heart.

Review:

Super cute!
I seriously enjoyed The Nymph Next Door. I loved the banter between Aiden and Laurel.
It's a fun little novella. Except for the end, it felt rushed and a tad too convenient. But it also left me with unanswered questions. The good news however is, that this will be continued. Can't wait to read more about these two.


Rating: 

⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯

Magic's Fate

Author: Sela Carsen
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Pages: Kindle Edition, 124 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: May 23rd 2017

Summary:

Fulfill three quests, return the missing shards of an evil sword, or people die. Nothing a wounded Russian sorcerer and an artist with a talent for roping can’t handle.

Rodion Czernovitch is in Nocturne Falls recovering from a serious injury and working hard not to fall for his sister’s best friend. When evil comes knocking on his door and she accidentally gets in the way, it’s time to quit brooding and start preparing for battle.

Carina Valdis just wanted a cup of coffee. But when she ran into her bestie’s brother - her big crush - and subsequently into an evil wizard’s curse, it’s going to take all her skill and patience to teach the overbearing warrior that love and wit (and a couple of rope tricks) can conquer all. Even the threat of death.

Review:

Magic's Fate has wonderful world building. I liked Sela Carsen's previous NFU novella Magic's Song a whole lot as well.
Again, the world building is interesting and inspired. In fact it reminded me a bit of Ilona Andrews Kate Daniel Series, which is a very good thing if you ask me.
The storyline was captivating, action packed and intriguing.
My only little issue the romance was too insta. I mean they went from 0 to 100 in a second. I kept thinking woah, slow down, this just all happened, like a minute ago.
Add to that, that some of the dialogues felt a bit too cliche and it is "only" a good read for me rather than a fantastic one. Still I really love the world building and I loved revisiting the previous characters as well.

Rating: 

⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯

The Doctor Falls For Her Gargoyle

Author: Cate Dean
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Pages: Kindle Edition,  90 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: May 23rd 2017

Summary:

Dr. Sophie Mead has a problem.

She's falling for one of Nocturne Falls' resident gargoyles: the tall, muscled, and sexy Elias Saunders.

But when Elias comes to her after being attacked, she has to put aside her attraction for him. What looks like a small mark on his left forearm is more than just a mark. His skin is turning to stone - and it's spreading.

Sophie enlists the help of an old family friend, and joins Elias on a desperate quest to find out what's happened to him, and how to stop it, before he becomes a statue. Permanently.

Review:

I enjoyed The Doctor Falls For Her Gargoyle very much.
The mystery was clever, I had suspicions and got it eventually right, much to my pleasure.
The plot is great, it keeps you guessing and had me engaged.
The characters are well done, Dean blends new ones with the ones with already know with ease. In fact this novella fits perfectly into Painters series, so much so it's uncanny. Really well done character building and interesting world building make this a great addition.
My only little issue however was the romance, there is this slow build-up. Well they kinda pine- which I loved - but then all over sudden we are an item and love declarations... It was too much of a jump from one to the next. It makes the story feel rushed. Pity.

Still cute! And I would have happily read more!

Rating: 

Review: Nocturne Falls Universe May 2017 -Part 1

Kristen Painter has extended the Nocturne Falls Universe and got a bunch of authors to write novellas. I think they are a must read for fans of the Universe. And also a great way to discover new author- or at least to me they were mostly new authors.
The first batch of releases were in January 2017. The second in now (in May 2017).

You can find the other reviews here:
Nocturne Falls Universe Review's Part 1
Nocturne Falls Universe Review's Part 2

A Dragon Speaks Her Name

Author: Kira Nyte
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Pages: Kindle Edition, 158 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: May 23rd 2017

Summary:

Kaylae Drayce is convinced she’s crazy. She hears voices in her head and dreams of fiery apocalyptic wars. That’s nothing compared to the terror she feels when the only people she loves are taken from her and she’s forced to run for her life all the way to Nocturne Falls. The town promises her one of two things: Answers to her madness or a one-way ticket to an asylum.

Zareh Lutherone is shattered to discover the Firestorm dragons’ ancient enemy has found and murdered his Keeper. He is plotting his next move in preparation for another war when a beautiful stranger literally falls into his arms. He doesn’t know who she is, only that the dragon inside him demands he protect her at all costs. It doesn’t take long to understand why.

Faced with a daunting task of convincing Kaylae she isn’t crazy—she is his Keeper and lifemate—just got complicated. Their enemy is hot on their tail and will stop at nothing to get their hands on Kaylae in order to destroy the last of an ancient dragon race.

Review:

t took me a while to read A Dragon Speaks Her Name. At first I couldn't put my finger on the reason for it. I just kept reading other stuff instead of the novella. I found I lost complete interest at some point and only read on because, well I felt obliged.
I am glad I finished it. It does have some great ideas. I love the idea of keepers and dragons. Buthe world building feels incomplete and a not completely thought-out. I am not sure if this is because of the pace of the story, I will talk about it a bit later. I just found myself a bit unsatisfied with the bits we are given, I kinda wanted more.
The character building is my favorite part of the novella. Though I was not a huge fan of Kaylae in the beginning, I did feel for her and I got where she was coming from.
I like Zar, a lot, he is the perfect swoony shifter love interest.
The support cast however felt a bit incomplete - a bit too cliche? - I found myself not connecting to any of them
The reason I rated this only as ok, however is the fact that I felt the pacing of this story was all over the place. It like Nyte had a bunch of things she wanted to go through and she ticked them off as she went along. It isn't a straight a to b to c thing however, she started on strand of the story, put it aside to indulge in the romance, then when that was sorted we went back to the "main"story.
It felt disruptive and makes the story feel choppy. But also left me thinking that it was all too convenient and so planned out.
Though I like the idea of the story line, I found the execution of it left me wanting. I do think that's connected to the pace. But there were things, we were not explained at all. I was left with questions, a couple plot twists felt to convenient and planned and the end felt rushed.

Though I like the idea, the novella didn't really work for me.

Rating: 

⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯

How Knot to Marry a Vampire

Author: Laurie London
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Pages: Kindle Edition, 153 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: May 23rd 2017

Summary:
Penelope Bechtel comes from a long line of mediums, so she shouldn’t have been surprised to see a ghost for the first time at the Waffle Emporium. But the gift he gives her puts her in terrible danger and sends her on the run…right back to where she started: Nocturne Falls and—

Is that a nearly naked, gorgeous vampire?

Luka Cavanaugh lost a bet, and now he's stuck modeling at a wine and painting party, where he meets a beautiful woman who threatens to untie the knots around his cold, undead heart. The problem is, he doesn’t date supernaturals. Too many secrets. Too much baggage. And Penelope is no exception.

With danger looming and things heating up between them, maybe some rules are meant to be broken…

Review:

How Knot To Marry A Vampire is super cute and fits right into the series.
I absolutely loved Luke. The character building is rather well done especially for such a short novel.
There is some cute banter and sweet swoony moments in here.
My biggest issue however was the storyline in the second half. It felt rushed and way way to convenient. It's like London tried to fit in every possible twist in the book into a novella. Which kinda ruined it for me. Still it's a sweet story and I did like the end very much, despite the all over sudden rather deep declarations...

Rating: 

⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯

The Trickster Makes A Match

Author: Bria Quinlan
Publisher: Sugar Skull Books
Series: Nocturne Falls Universe
Pages: Kindle Edition, 139 pages
Genre: PNR
Release Date: May 23rd 2017

Summary:

Minx Marksman—daughter of a Supermodel and a famous Rocker—wants nothing more than a normal, crazy-free life. One more nannying gig will earn her enough to achieve her dream of small cottage on the coast. That last job brings her to Nocturne Falls where she’s surprised to find out it’s Halloween every day.

Not so much on the normal, but high on the adorable.

Baby Gus and Uncle Hottie—aka Tim Johnson—seem to be a walk in the park at first. The flirty infant and the nerdy, glasses-wearing cutie grab her heart from the start. She’s falling fast for both guys, but she can’t help but notice that some things aren’t quite what they seem...

Review:

I liked this well enough. But I was a bit taken aback by a few things. First of all it was too insta, I mean I know this is a short story, but.. well I didn't feel the chemistry between Minx and Tim enough to not be taken aback by the fast developments.
Then I'm not quite sure how I feel about their need to be normal.. Honestly normal is overrated if you ask me. There is a middle path between opulence and entitlement and mediocre. Because my issue with Quinlan's brand of normal was it felt like it was too mediocre. Frankly I didn't like the rich people portrait at all, the entire thing was too black and white for my taste. So only "normal"people are nice? Normal being what? Middle Class?
Besides that however, I adored Gus.I love the story telling. Quinlan writes beautifully and is witty.
The story fits right into the series, seamlessly. I also love the fact that the two MCs aren't paranormals. Well, at least I don't think so, because they clearly weren't affected by the water...

Rating: