Monthly Archives:: January 2013

Friday, January 11, 2013

Review: Alexander Death by J.L. Bryan

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Alexander Death
J.L. Bryan
Series: The Paranormals #3
Publication date: September 23rd 2011

While Seth searches for Jenny, Dr. Heather Reynard of the CDC unravels Seth and Jenny’s secrets.

Alexander opens Jenny’s mind to her deep past, and to the full horrific extent of her powers.

Torn between her feelings for Alexander and Seth, and between her past lives and her present, Jenny must prepare to face her enemies, as well as the darkness within her…

*A copy was provided by J.L. Bryan for review purposes*
 

*Spoiler free for the series!*

This series started so innocently didn’t it? I mean, we have Jenny who’s a timid, broken girl with the touch of death–or disease, who keeps to herself (for good reason) being all innocent and sweet. Ha! Good one! Sweet little Jenny is no more. Her character changes tremendously between the first and third book of this series, both emotionally and mentally. Such a plot would not have thrived otherwise, It was a need, and it was done with perfection. Her growth mirrored the plot exactly, going from the Jenny she thought she was, to the Jenny she didn’t know she had to be.

Like its protagonist, this series has evolved from a cryptic horror into a complex, even scandalous plot. Again, and I keep mentioning it because it seems to be an ongoing misconception on these books, this is not intended for young readers! Yes it may have teenage characters, but it’s a fully adult read that comprises of horror, sex, and drugs, followed by more horror, stronger drugs, and fully described sexual acts! Capish? *shoves book in your face because it’s awesome*

Isn’t it the worst to review sequels and up? I feel like I’ve said it all in the previous reviews, and since I refuse to use spoilers, I’m pretty much at a loss. Don’t take this the wrong way, it’s a great installment that fully lived up to my expectations–although the first remains my favorite. I’m really enjoying how deep we’re getting into this epically unique plot. The ending of Jenny Pox blew my socks off, which was the first leaf that turned this series into something completely unexpected. In this third book, and as the title portrays, we get to learn more about this Alexander fellow who started to appear mysteriously in the sequel. I thought his character was very unnerving. I knew I shouldn’t trust him or his intentions, still, I found him indefinitely alluring. He has this charm that makes it easy to put our concerns on the back-burner. Besides Alexander, we also get glimpses into the perspective of the other characters, who are all on the hunt for Jenny; some to save her, others to kill her. It’s an exciting and drama filled novel, like its predecessors.

More characters means more story, which means more secrets revealed. We learn a great deal more about Jenny and the history surrounding her. I thought the various twists were woven in greatly and, while they’re not made to shock necessarily, I appreciated how unexpected some were. And as I’ve mentioned previously, I do enjoy how JL considers the consequences such a plot would have on the real world, like the CIA and CDC’s involvement. Not everyone can be oblivious to a bizarre disease that is sporadically and freakishly killing people, seemingly at random, and always with a particular girl present. I was satisfied with the way things ended in this novel. The series is filled with details ranging from their abilities to their complicated relationships, and I was weary of how things would all tie up at the end. BUT, a little bird told me that there was now (or will soon be) a fourth book *gasp*, so we will see how that ending compares. I will either be impressed at the ability of a planned trilogy to continue without feeling like we’re beating a dead horse, or I will curse JL for life. Hey, it’s totally his call!

If you’re a horror fan–think Carrie–then I’m sure you have read this series already so I have nothing else to say. Right? *glares*

4 Hot Espressos

The Paranormals series:

Review: Vortex by Julie Cross

Review: Vortex by Julie Cross

Posted by on 01/10/2013 • 22 Comments

This review contains no spoilers of either Vortex or Tempest

As much as I get fascinated by time travel–especially when it’s created as well as in this series–it can get extremely complicated. Like Tempest, this novel is not to be read with a wandering mind, or you will find yourself in the middle of a complex story with no idea where you are–or when. For this reason, it may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy reads that are as intelligent as they are fun, then this series is for you!

When we left Jackson in Tempest, we had learned just how intricate this whole time travel business was. Not to mention how heartbreaking to see Jackson’s heart torn apart over a girl that has no clue who he…

Up to Me by M. Leighton Exclusive!

Posted by on 01/09/2013 • 7 Comments

Xpresso Reads is happy to be part of the release week event hosted by AToMR tours. I’m sure you have seen these books around they’re making a big splash in the blogoverse lately, and although I haven’t read them yet, the amazing reviews I’ve been seeing have put the first book on my Kobo! Today you can take a sneak peek at the second book in the series, and you can enter to book 1!

Up to Me M. Leighton Series: The Bad Boys, #2 Publication date: January 6th, 2013      

Happily ever after doesn’t come easy. But for love, it’s always worth the fight.

Olivia finds bliss unlike any she’s ever known in Cash’s arms. He sets her skin on fire and melts her heart right inside…

Waiting on Wednesday (68)

Posted by on 01/09/2013 • 28 Comments

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine  and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.  My pick this week:

One Dark Between Sonia Gensler Release date: August 2013by Knopf Books for Young Readers

A supernatural romance about the powers that lie in the shadows of the mind, perfect for fans of Sarah Rees Brennan, Alyxandra Harvey, and Libba Bray.

At the turn of the twentieth century, Spiritualism and séances are all the rage—even in the scholarly town of Cambridge, England. While mediums dupe the grief-stricken, a group of local fringe scientists seeks to bridge the gap to the spirit world by investigating the dark corners of the human mind.

Each running from a shadowed past, Kate, Asher, and Elsie take refuge…

Review: The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell

Posted by on 01/08/2013 • 0 Comments

The Cadet of TildorAlex LidellPublication date: January 10th 2013by Dial

 

Tamora Pierce meets George R. R. Martin in this smart, political, medieval fantasy-thriller.

There is a new king on the throne of Tildor. Currents of political unrest sweep the country as two warring crime families seek power, angling to exploit the young Crown’s inexperience. At the Academy of Tildor, the training ground for elite soldiers, Cadet Renee de Winter struggles to keep up with her male peers. But when her mentor, a notorious commander recalled from active duty to teach at the Academy, is kidnapped to fight in illegal gladiator games, Renee and her best friend Alec find themselves thrust into a world rife with crime, sorting through a maze of political intrigue, and struggling to resolve…

The Cadet of Tildor Interview & Giveaway

Posted by on 01/08/2013 • 13 Comments

Today I’m happy to be a part of the Cadet of Tildor tour organized by AToMR Tours. Find the full tour schedule here. I have Alex here for an interview today, and then you can enter to win a pretty fab giveaway! 🙂

The Cadet of Tildor Alex Lidell Publication date: January 10th 2013by Dial      

Tamora Pierce meets George R. R. Martin in this smart, political, medieval fantasy-thriller.

There is a new king on the throne of Tildor. Currents of political unrest sweep the country as two warring crime families seek power, angling to exploit the young Crown’s inexperience. At the Academy of Tildor, the training ground for elite soldiers, Cadet Renee de Winter struggles to keep up with her male peers. But when her…

Review: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Posted by on 01/07/2013 • 42 Comments

Touch of Death Kelly Hashway Series: Touch of Death #1 Publication date: January 15th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press 

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned…

Xpresso Weekly: Stacking the Shelves (37)

Posted by on 01/06/2013 • 44 Comments

Xpresso Weekly is my edition of Stacking the Shelves hosted by Tynga’s Reviews featuring the books I got this week, and I also mention blog news/happenings of the past week. This week at Xpresso Reads

How’s everyone enjoying 2013 so far? I had a great vacation, but now I’m kind of paying for it by being extremely busy. But when you love your job it ain’t so bad! So hey, I just realized I never officially announced it but I’m sure you have noticed something different on the blog! I sure hope so 😉 Xpresso Reads needed a change. I outgrew the pink and girly, wanting something more chic and grown up so I decided to give it a makeover. Thanks so much for all the lovely comments on it…