Review: Spirit Prophecy (The Gateway Trilogy #2) by E.E. Holmes

Published: August 12, 2014 by Smashwords
Genre: YA, Paranormal Fantasy
Format: ebook
Source: Sent for honest review

Goodreads Summary

Two sisters, haunted by more than their past...

Just weeks after discovering each other’s existence, Jess and Hannah Ballard arrive at Fairhaven Hall, where they will learn the clandestine ways of the Durupinen, an ancient sect of women who control the Gateways between the worlds of the living and the dead.

Though they are considered outcasts by most of their classmates, Jess and Hannah are determined to learn what they can to fulfill their responsibility to the many ghosts that haunt them. But danger, it seems, has followed them as closely as a shadow to their new home, and they have more questions than ever.

Who is the desperate child spirit pursuing Jess, and what do her terrifying visions mean? What has happened to Dr. David Pierce, Jess’ friend and mentor, who has suddenly and mysteriously vanished? And just what is it about Hannah’s unique abilities that has the other Durupinen frightened of her? The Ballard sisters are about to find out, and the answers could destroy their newfound life before it has even begun.

Spirit Prophecy is the second thrilling installment in E.E. Holmes’ award-winning Gateway Trilogy.

I never heard the end of her sentence. I had just opened the door and stepped into the hallway when the figure - small, pearly, and utterly desperate - attacked me like a bat out of hell.

The Good

This one turned out better than Spirit Legacy. The writing and dialogue are a little more smooth in Spirit Prophecy and there's just more going on in general.

Jess is in a completely different setting here. She jetted off to a school in England specific to people with abilities like her's. There were Harry Potter references too which were great. Holmes throws in modern day pop culture references every now and then which I loved as it helped the characters feel not only more real but also easily relateable.

There was a large variety of new characters as well. I think it's great that none of the characters had personalities identical to the ones in Spirit Legacy either. Savvy is by and large my favorite new character introduced in Spirit Prophecy. She's that girl that wants to do all those things she's not supposed to do. Plus, I have to mention Hannah's gay ghost BFF, Milo. He adds a cheekiness that I enjoy along with a need to keep Hannah safe.

It's full of questions that you want answered throughout the story. Who is the silent ghost girl that is always surrounded by flames? What does she so desperately want to tell Jess? Why is Dr. Pierce missing? Who is trying to kill them? I enjoyed the mysteriousness and finally having these questions answered in a big bang ending.

The Bad

Jess has a bad habit of judging people right off the bat as either "like a lot" or "hate". She really dislikes Finn through the beginning of Spirit Prophecy, and I can't find a true legitimate reason why that would be. I have no problem with characters with flaws though, so I'm hoping this is an area where we see Jess grow and give more people the benefit of the doubt.

Romance

There's no romance in this one. Like I said, Jess has a huge hate-on for Finn in the beginning and they grow a little closer by the end, but I'd barely give them friend status at the moment.

Conclusion

Spirit Prophecy was a good story. I enjoy the unique spin on the seeing ghosts concept. There are also a lot of characters to enjoy. There are a bunch of mysteries to solve throughout the story and it goes out with a bang. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Excerpts

"I think we get the gist of it," I said, pushing my plate away, no longer remotely hungry. "Mom screwed up and everyone is pissed about it. They can't take it out on her because she's gone, so they're taking it out on us instead."

"Our connection to spirits exists so that they can find us, not the other way around. I've never known any Durupinen to summon spirits to them, let alone so many at once."

DAMN YOU, JET LAG. Damn you to straight to the ninth circle of hell where you were undoubtedly concocted by the devil himself. I wasn't a morning person by any stretch of the imagination, but getting out of bed usually didn't resemble scraping roadkill off the freeway quite to this extent. I groped around for the alarm clock on my bedside table and bashed it into silent submission. It was seven o'clock in the morning on my first day of classes.

Sunday Cover Scramble [151]

Let's have some fun! I am going to post covers on here every Sunday that are scrambled up graphically, making it hard to tell what cover it is. I would like your guesses on what cover you think I've posted. I won't answer you until I'm posting the next one to let you know if you are right, allowing others to guess as well. Some will be hard, and others may be easy. Let me know in the comments if you'd like some more hints and I'll offer some more if no one guesses it correctly.


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Review: Sweet Reckoning (The Sweet Trilogy #3) by Wendy Higgins

Published: April 29, 2014 by HarperTeen
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary

It’s time.

Evil is running rampant and sweet Anna Whitt is its target. Nobody knows when or how the Dukes will strike, but Anna and her Nephilim allies will do anything necessary to rid the earth of the demons and their oppressive ways.

The stakes are higher than ever, and Anna is determined that the love she feels will be her strength, not a liability. But trying to protect the ones she loves while running for her life and battling demonic forces proves to be perilous—especially as faces are changing and trust is fleeting. When the Duke of Lust sends Anna’s great love, Kaidan Rowe, to work against her, Anna must decide how much she’s prepared to risk.

In the most sensual and fast-paced installment yet, Sweet Reckoning brings all the beloved Neph together one last time to fight for their freedom.

"There was going to be a reckoning here tonight, both sweet and terrible."

Allies

I have really enjoyed this series. It was a fast, fun read. Not much to have to think about, and while parts of it may have been cheesy or too 'easy', I still loved it and was definitely what I was needing to read right now.

The action was revved up even more. There is a lot of strategizing, running, hiding, and fighting in this one. I love how much Anna has grown throughout the story. She's so easy to underestimate and that's to her enemies' detriment. The side characters are all in depth and they are hard not to get attached to. Higgins also isn't afraid to make some hard choices of taking some of those characters away from us and forcing them into some pretty tragic situations which definitely makes the idea of this war more believable. The group becomes this sort of family all bonded together and it was amazing to watch all these personalities and people who didn't have any friends or family meld together to form this ragtag group of heroes. That's my favorite part I think. The Dukes that they are up against are despicable. I love how grotesque they come off and the evil they are prepared to do since it makes me want Anna to take them down even more.

Enemies

I would have liked to see the final confrontation stretch out a little more, but overall the action was really good.

He said...She said

Some will find the romance incredibly cheesy and may even be shaking their heads or cringing a bit in parts. I adored the partnership between Anna and Kai and though it was all a bit cliche, it worked for the story in my opinion. I enjoy the relationships that happen out of two people who don't like each other at first (though they may be wildly attracted to each other) and grow into that all-consuming love. They went through their whiny and jerk periods and they had a lot of cute moments in this final book.

And we all stand firm

Definitely a good series. The concepts involved with the angels and demons are original and interesting. Anna is a strong heroine and her group of side characters are simply amazing. The romance and action parts are a good bonus. It was quick and easy to read and get through, and though it may have had it's flaws it was great for me. Definitely recommended.

Excerpts

We, the Nephilim, were going to rid the earth of demons, and I was slated to lead the way.

I stopped at our door and got a weird prickly sensation. The thought of a demon whisperer caused my heart to pound and my eyes to search all around me, but nothing was there. I glanced down the stairs. Nothing. With a shaking hand I slid my key into the bolt lock, only to find it already unlocked. Weird. Patti never forgot to lock the door.

A light, persistent knocking woke me at four in the morning. I saw Ginger through the peephole and let her in. My eyes darted down the hall, but there was no sign of Marna. It was the first time Ginger had ever looked less than perfect. Small purple bags rested under her eyes. "What's wrong?" I asked. "Where's Marna?"

Harry Potter Moment of the Week [94]

This is a meme hosted by Uncorked Thoughts and Lunar Rainbows.The idea is to share a favorite moment, magical item, character, spell, quote, object from the books, films or J.K.Rowling herself! Click the links to the blogs to see how to join up &  upcoming topics.

What would you change about the 2nd film?

via GIPHY

That one's easy for me.

All. The. Spiders.

I don't even watch the entire 2nd movie when I re-watch because my head is fully turned or I am otherwise engaged every time they go into those woods and face the acromantulas.

What would you change?

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Wolfsbane's Daughter by Jennifer Silverwood

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Wolfsbane's Daughter

By Jennifer Silverwood

(A Wylder Tale Novella)
YA Dark Fantasy
ebook, 52 Pages

Wolfsbane and his daughter Resha are on a never ending quest in the Wylder Mountains, to wipe out the wolves who destroyed their village. Before their enemies stole everything she loved, Resha cared for little beyond learning how to be a hunter. After, she learned a hunter must be prepared to fight as well as flee. Now she cares for nothing but revenge.

Until she discovers two majikal humans half frozen in the forest. Resha has a choice, to follow her instincts and leave the strangers to the wolves, or save them. Yet the enemy is on the prowl and there is little time for Wolfsbane's daughter to find safe haven before they are discovered.

Goodreads

The First Book in the Series

Craving Beauty

(A Wylder Tale, #1)

Paperback & ebook, 239 pages
October 31st 2015

Vynasha has spent the last four years tending her mother's roses and looking after her nephew. The fire that killed their family has left her scarred and put Wyll on the brink of death. Soon the first frost will come down from the mountains and she knows this winter will be his last.

Until a strange beggar appears on the road, telling her of the majikal Source that can heal her Wyll. With nothing left to lose, Vynasha braves the forbidden Wylder Mountains to seek out a cure and her fate.

A lost kingdom is uncovered by an equally lost girl, but the castle is not abandoned as she believes. Shadows cloaking unseen eyes watch. Tapestries whisper from the hidden corners, wondering if the one to break their curse has come. And a hungry beast waits, ready to devour her soul.

Goodreads - Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Book Depository

Jennifer Silverwood was raised deep in the heart of Texas and has been spinning yarns a mile high since childhood. In her spare time she reads and writes and tries to sustain her wanderlust, whether it’s the Carpathian Mountains in Transylvania, the highlands of Ecuador or a road trip to the next town. Always on the lookout for her next adventure, in print or reality, she dreams of one day proving to the masses that everything really is better in Texas. She is the author of the Heaven’s Edge series, Stay and Silver Hollow.

Website - Blog - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Tumblr

Other Books by the Author

   

Cover Reveal Giveaway

$20 Amazon eGift Card
Ends January 9th

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Sunday Cover Scramble [150]

Let's have some fun! I am going to post covers on here every Sunday that are scrambled up graphically, making it hard to tell what cover it is. I would like your guesses on what cover you think I've posted. I won't answer you until I'm posting the next one to let you know if you are right, allowing others to guess as well. Some will be hard, and others may be easy. Let me know in the comments if you'd like some more hints and I'll offer some more if no one guesses it correctly.


I am pulling covers off the Most Popular Page on Goodreads.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Review: Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy #2) by Wendy Higgins

Published: April 30, 2013 by HarperTeen
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary

Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

"Here on the island we were a group. If they caught us, we were all dead. I vowed to take down as many as I could before that happened."

Swords of Righteousness

This one was even better than the first. I love the turn that Sweet Peril took for this series. Anna and Kaidan aren't together in the beginning of the book and instead Anna finds herself with her human friends and the Nephilim friends that Kai introduced her to. Her dad puts her on a journey with Kope who is a seriously sweet Neph who has feelings for Anna. They are going around the world in search of allies. I loved the travel to other countries and the many other Neph introduced. Higgins absolutely has a way of making characters so lovable. Even with so many different personalities, every character has a place in the story and so much depth and back-story.

Anna has grown so much from the first book. She's not nearly as naive, and she's been working on her skills. Girl can kick some major butt now and frankly her knife throwing skills are a great touch. What makes it even better is she's this little short Southern girl that no one would expect to be a threat of any kind.

The plot just keeps getting more interesting! I don't want to give anything away, so just suffice it to say that things get turned up in this one and the fear for these characters is real. I can't wait to see how Higgins plans to wrap this all up.

Evil Whispers

It was really hard to read about how Anna just couldn't let Kaidan go. The time in Sweet Peril by the end spans a year and a half since the end of Sweet Evil. Anna is still pining after Kai months after she's seen him last and every time she runs into him he tells her there's no chance for them. And every time she says she's done, and clearly her heart isn't. The problem isn't in the fact that her heart won't let him go, but I can't fathom how she can stand to continue to persue him when he's very adamant that they won't work. I promise if a guy tells me he's done, no matter how hard my heart might protest, I will not be the one actively seeking him out.

Far and Away

Back to Kai. Man, Anna definitely has it bad for him, and truly who can blame her? He's that good-looking drummer in a band with a London accent that every girl wants, and he treats her so sweetly other than the fact that he just won't be with her. Things definitely get deep in this one and Kai comes back around in the second half of the book.

The Bonds are Formed

I'm really loving this series. The angel/demon lore is a lot of fun and definitely unique. The plot is very interesting, and all the characters are amazing. There is solid growth in the characters and the action and story-line gets more entertaining as time goes on. Definitely recommended.

Excerpts

I promised myself I'd never do the work of my demon father - polluting souls - leading humans to abuse their bodies with drugs and alcohol. I'd been naive to make such a vow. I'd been naive about a lot of things.

I lifted my hand to the spot under my chin. It was still wet and sensitive but healing fast. Adrenaline kept me from feeling anything. I looked down at the spots of blood on my shirt. That was probably going to get me some unwanted attention during the walk back to the hotel.

Zania was an expert at taking small, seemingly innocent gestures and packing them full of meaning.

"No offense to your friend, Anna, but human girls always take love for granted. They want things to be wild and carefree all the time. And when it gets too comfortable or requires a little work, they just toss it off. I'd give anything to be loved by a guy like Jay. But I suppose the grass is always greener on the other side, right?"