The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Mira Books (21 Jan 2011)
• Language English
• ISBN-10: 0778304345
• ISBN-13: 978-0778304340

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

This series has been all over the blogsphere and I've heard mixed things so I thought I would finally give it a try (after having it on my shelf for 3 months).

Cover: Very pretty cover.  Almost worth buying them for the beautiful covers alone.

Plot: Meghan's simple life is about to get crazy.  Weird things start happening.  She swears she starts seeing strange creatures, and there can't really be a monster in her little brother's closet...can there?  When he's stolen and taken to the fantastical land of the Nevernever Meghan has to rescue him, with the help of her best friend Robbie who is more than he has always appeared to be, and of an ice prince, Ash.  She starts to fall for Ash but he can be trusted and can they survive the danger that is the Nevernever.

First of all I must say I don't seem to have much luck when it comes to Fey books.  Having said that out of the ones I've read this is the best.  However I would still give it a 3/5 stars.  The premise was good but I never got to the point I couldn't put it down.  I found the protagonist Meghan to be weak and selfish (definite parallels with Bella from Twilight).  Also there is a definite love triangle feel to the book which I don't like in any book.  The thing that I really liked about this book was Ash.  He was definitely a great male character.

I would recommend this if you love fey books, but it's not for everyone.  I will read on in the series in the hope that it will get better and eventually hook me in.   

Captivated winner...

JESSICA


I will contact you with the details.


Winner chosen by random.org.


Thanks to those that entered.

Torrent- Discussion Questions (may contain spoilers)

These questions can be found at the back of the book.


1) On their way to San Galgano, the family discusses the legend of Excalibur and the sword in the stone.  Gabi comments that in her society, people are taught to regard things with suspicion until proven.  Do you see that in people you know? What do people believe in without "proof"?  Is that a good or bad thing?


It seems these days that people don't believe in anything without proof.


2) How old do you think you want to be when you get married?  Why?


Late twenties, early thirties maybe.  I would want to feel ready and certain but I can't but a definite age to it because it depends when I love somebody enough.


3) Two-thirds of medieval women were married by the age of nineteen.  Some very wealthy noblewomen were as old as twenty four when they married but they were a rarity.  What do you think marriage would be like today, in contemporary society, if we married earlier rather than later?  Would it help or hurt?


More and more people aren't even getting married these days.  I don't know what influence getting married earlier would have.


4) How did you respond to Gabi's growing attraction to Rodolfo Greco- and her confusion?  Could you understand it?  What would you have done in that situation?


I hated it quite frankly.  I found myself hating Gabi for it.  All she went through to go back to Marcello, her family going back because of LOVE and then that happened.  In her situation I wouldn't have interacted with Greco on ANY level, not even eye contact.


5) From the beginning of Waterfall to the end of Torrent, significant changes happen in the Betarrini family dynamics.  In the beginning, the girls feel the loss of their dad, connect with their mom, and in the end, really become one again. Has your family suffered through a time of disunity and come out better for it?  Are you in the midst of it now?  What made or would make it better?


Parents divorce was a difficult time but we're better for it now.  Me, me Mum and brother are very close and I wouldn't have it any other way.


6) Tomas has a unique perspective on God, given his time and place.  He's serving as a priest, even when he's no longer representing the Church.  What's your thoughts on how we should share our beliefs with others?


My belief is that religion and our beliefs are very personal, everyone feels different, some like to share it with others, others don't.  Do whatever is comfortable.


7) Once again, Gabi has to do things she never thought possible- jumping to another building, cauterizing a wound, risking her life, etc.- what's the hardest thing you've ever had to do (even if it wasn't life threatening!)?  How'd you feel afterward?


When I started college they made us go to some valley to do 'team exercises' not my thing in the slightest.  And one of the things they made us do was cross a river on a thin beam.  1. I'm not small and 2. my balance is awful, so I was really quite scared of falling in to the river.  Worst day of my life.  No kidding.  After I was shaking ad thought I was going to be sick...and somewhat happy I didn't die.


8) In one passage, the book titles for the series are somewhat explained: "My eyes shifted to the trickling river.  Come spring, it would be ten times as wide and just as deep.  On and on it went, rushing toward the distant horizon.  Like time.  Like life.  Sometimes gently falling from one pool into the other, other times fast and cascading, and still other times falling into a funnel, a torrent of knots and waves."  Have you experienced life like that?  Identify three times in your life that feel like a Waterfall, a Cascade, and a Torrent.  Which one describes your life right now?  


I really struggled...I honestly can't answer it.

Book Haul/In My Mailbox

Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren River of Time Book 3

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: David C Cook (1 Oct 2011)
• Language English
• ISBN-10: 143476429X
• ISBN-13: 978-1434764294

When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series. Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life ... and death.
One word.  Phenomenal. 


Cover: Another beautiful cover but where with Waterfall and Cascade the people on the cover were how I imagined them to look (Gabi and Lia) this is NOT how I imagined the dreamy Marcello to look.  But oh well.  Two out of three ain't bad.


Plot:  At the end of Cascade Gabi, Lia and their Mom decide to try and go back to save their father before his untimely death.  They then have to convince him to return with them to 14th century where once again they have to battle not only for Sienna, but for love and their very lives.


Again 5/5 stars.  The whole series is 5/5 stars!  It's just amazing.  However in Torrent I did come up against a wall when reading that I didn't in Waterfall or Cascade.  And this, I know is because of personal taste.  Because there was an emerging love triangle between Gabi, Mercello and Lord Greco.  The book still went the way I wanted it to in the end but for me this went against her character in the last two books, I mean she convinced her family to go back to the 14th century for LOVE and then that happens. No.  For me.  Just. NO.  
That is the only thing I didn't like over the 3 books.  It wasn't enough to mar the overall rating as everything still went the way I wanted it to.
There is a tentative book 4, Tributary.


I look forward to seeing where this goes but at the same time Torrent was a great finisher.  But I want more of Luca and Lia, I found myself needing to know where there romance was heading but unfortunately that wasn't covered in as much detail and was left very open.


This series is a must read for everyone.  Best series I have read this year bar none.  Action. Romance. History.  Humour.  This book has everything.

Booking Through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Booking Through Thursday and a different question is posted every week.


What’s the hardest/most challenging book you’ve ever read? Was it worth the effort? Did you read it by choice or was it an assignment/obligation?


Hamlet by Shakespeare.  I've only just finished it as it's part of my coursework for A levels.  It's really hard, the Elizabethan language obviously makes it more challenging than what I read more of (e.g. YA).  But once you get past that it becomes a little easier.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is all about sharing the books that I'm eagerly waiting to be released.


This week the book that I can't wait for is Eve by Anna Carey released 5th November.  

I can't wait for this book.  I saw the book trailer for it and it totally hooked me.  


Click here for the book trailer.

Cover Reveal- Until I Die

OH.

MY

GOSH!

I thought the cover for Die For Me was stunning and how on earth could they top it for the sequel (these are the kind of bookish thoughts that often occupy spaces in my mind). But boy they really did!  The tones of purple-ish blue are just amazing.  And everytime I see it I can't help but really stare at it.  It truly is one of the most beautiful book covers...EVER.

I can't wait to read the book...even more so now.

Click here for my review of Die For Me.

Booking Through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Booking Through Thursday and a different question is posted every week.


Do your reading habits change when you’re on vacation? Do you read more? Do you indulge in lighter, fluffier books than you usually read? Do you save up special books so you’ll be able to spend real vacation time with them? Or do you just read the same old stuff, vacation or not?


Hmm...when I'm just on a school break I read more...just more of what I would normally read BUT when I actually go away on vacation I take lighter reads for travel, the beach, evenings in the hotel after dinner  and general driving around on holiday (obviously I'm a passenger and not a driver) because I know I'm not going to get a lot of reading done.  I try to read on the boat but normally I don't feel too good on the boat to read all that much.  

Book Haul/In My Mailbox 19/10/11

Wishing Wednesday

A meme for sharing weekly bookish wishes.


This week's wish is:
That the UK cover of Daughter of Smoke and Bone was the same as the US.  I was so excited for this book but I have to be honest, I don't really want the UK cover.  I know, I know that it's about the content but the difference is so drastic and well...dull.

UK COVER

US COVER

See what I mean?

Who would choose the UK over the US?????  Just have the same cover!!!!! Arghhhhhhhh

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is all about sharing the books that I'm eagerly waiting to be released.

This week the book I can't wait to be released is The Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallion, released October 27th.

I've heard great things about this book and can't wait to read it for myself.

Cascade- Discussion Questions (may contain spoilers)

These questions can be found at the back of the book.

1) Growing up, most of us were taught to go the extra mile in peace making and getting along with others.  But in this us or them medieval world, Gabi and Lia come up against this decision over and over again.  What would it take to make you draw a line in the sand and refuse to budge?  Would it be societal trend, physical survival, or what?  Describe.

I think I would have to be in the medieval world quite some time before I got used to it to the point where I'd fight people but when it comes down to it I know that I would fight not only to save my own life but those of anyone I loved that was in danger.

2) Gabi goes through extreme physical and emotional trauma in this book.  When she's in the cage in Firenze, there is a very real possibilty that she might die.  Have you ever been on the edge of death?  If so, describe.  What did you learn about life that you want to remember?  If you haven't experienced this what do you think it would teach you?

I've never been on the edge of death, but I imagine if I had I'd be immensely relieved to NOT be dead, and appreciate life more.

3) Would you ever date two different brothers at different times?  Hoe about two guy friends? Why or why not?

No...I wouldn't because it I would imagine it would be awkward all round.

4) Do you ever wish arranged marriages were still done today?  Discuss the pros and cons.

Well in some cultures they are still around but for the most part I would say I definitely don't wish they were still around because marriage should come naturally when two committed are ready and want it, not because some other people want them to.

5) Many lives are lost in the battle for borders, property, and power in this book.  What land would you fight for?  Your family property?  Your state?  Your country?  Other countries?  If you wouldn't fight for any land, describe your thought on that.

I think I would fight for my families property, on one has the right to take that away.  Definitely If I was in the medieval era I would need to fight, probably finding myself conscripted.
 

6) When Gabi is in the cage, she hears a voice she identifies as her father's, but she's not entirely sure and isn't thinking clearly...it might be God's.  Who do you think it was discuss?

I would probably be cynical and say that in her condition she was most likely hallucinating, creating comfort in her seriously uncomfortable situation BUT it could have been her father or God.

7) If you were in Gabi's shoes, how would you convince you Mom and sibling to stay with you?  What would be the good parts about living in that era versus living in today's culture.

If I was in Gabi's shoes I know my family would want me to be happy and so they would stay for that alone but I would convince them by showing them that we belonged there- that interruptions of modern day don't apply there, family values are more noticeable.

 

8) In the end, Gabi risks her relationship with Marcello in order to try and go back and save her dad.  Would you have done the same?  Why or why not?

I think that I would.  I would have to know if it was possible otherwise the not knowing would drive me mad.

9) How would losing a parent change your family?  If you have lost a parent, describe what has transpired for your family.

It would obviously have a devastating effect.  Loosing someone you've known and needed your whole life is suddenly not there, part of you would be irreversibly gone.

10) What do you think will happen in book three, Torrent.

Paratore's permanent demise.  Gabi and Marcello married.  Lia and Luca FINALLY together.  And they all stay in medieval Italy.   I hope.



Cascade by Lisa T Bergren River of Time Book 2

Publisher: David C Cook Publishing, New edition (1 Jun 2011)

Language English

ISBN-10: 1434764311

ISBN-13: 978-1434764317

Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”
Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.
But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

As soon as I started Waterfall I was hooked on this series and so it was a good job I had all three on my bookshelf before starting it.  I NEEDED to read Cascade as soon as I finished Waterfall.

Cover:  Another beautiful cover.  The greens and blues used to stunning effect.  Just as Waterfall's cover was how I pictured Gabi, Cascade's cover is how I pictured Lia.

Plot: They had to go back.  Gabi and Lia's time in medieval Italy was treacherous, almost costing them their lives.  At the end of Waterfall they had to travel back to current day in order to try and save Gabi and find their Mother.  But Gabi has left her heart with Marcello in the 14th Century.  Can she convince her Mom and Lia to go back to a time that is so dangerous, especially when the sisters have gotten themselves the name of She-wolves of Sienna' after helping take down Castello Paratore, creating an enemy.  Plus a time so near to The Black Death sweeping across Europe.

It has to be another 5/5 stars for this book.  I loved it just as much as book 1 and it was just as amazing.  The pace was furious and plot action packed, not wanting to put if down (if everyone read these books at the same time the world would come to a stand still).  I loved that the book picked up from where Waterfall left off right away, you are completely absorbed into medieval Italy and the dangers Gabi, Lia and now their Mother face from rivals as well as the approaching plague that sweeps across Europe.
The romance...oh the romance.  Such a wonderful romance between Gabi and Marcello and now a second romance emerging between Lia and Luca. 
The characters were just as anjoyable and loveable (excluding the bad guys obviously- which you really hate) as in book 1.
Lisa T Bergren is such a talented writer to combine everything I love in a book and make is perfect, again there was nothing I didn't like.  Of course it spurred me to pick up Torrent straight away, I'm practically devouring these books.
A definite read if you like action, romance and history.
I can't express how much I am loving this series.

To view the booik trailer for Cascade click here.

Waterfall- Discussion Questions (may contain minor spoilers)

These questions can be found at the back of the book.


1) What was your favourite part of the novel, and why?

Oh so many parts, I loved the whole book but narrowing it down I would say when Gabriella bests Marcello with a sword when trying to convince him to let her carry one, because it was a great, funny scene.

2) What part of the novel did you not like, and why?

I can honestly say there was no part of the novel I didn't like.  It was THAT awesome.

3) What would be hardest about living in 1332?  No showers? No hair products.  No forks?  No technology?  No cars?  Using a chamber pot?  What would you miss most?

Showers and plumbing would be way up there in what I'd miss most...I would forever worried I'd smell the the idea of chamber pots has always grossed me out.
I'd miss so easily contacting people via phone and e-mail.
Like Gabi my hair is uncontrolable so lack of hair product would be a minor thing I guess.

4) Did you relate to Gabi? Why? What is it about her that you see in yourself?

Her familial devotion is relatable and I actually thought that her thoughts would be my own in the same circumstances.  Plus I kind of love Marcello too.

5) If you had been Gabi, would you have fallen for Marcello or Luca? Why?

I have fallen for both of them!  They are both so swoon worthy.  I love the noble hero in Marcello, same with Luca with his fun and cheecky personality.  Marcello can be funny and witty too...but in a more subtle way.  Either way I love both and it's too hard to choose between them.

6) Is it ever okay to steal anther girl's guy?  Why or why not?  Why was it okay for Gabi to do so?  Or was it?

Normally I would say no, never but I don't think Gabi really stole Marcello- he fell for her too and there was no real romantic feeling between him and Romana (just ambition on her part, duty on his).  He and Gabi should be together, shouldn't have to liss out on the chance of love.

7) At first Gabi thinks she can work things out on her own.  Find her own way back to the tomb and through it.  She's kind of stubborn about it even, (sneaking out of the castle, climbing down the wall, taking off on the horse, etc).  How does pride sometimes keep us stuck in a tough situation?

Pride can stop people accepting help- thinking they can handle everything all on their own, no matter what the situation really.
Gabi may be a little proud but I think her determination outweighs her pride- she's separated from her sister, not knowing how or where she is, so I think needing to find her sister is her desperate drive to find her sister more than pride.

8) Do you think all things, good or bad, happen for a reason? Why or why not?

I'd like to think that they do- that there's logic or purpose to everything but it's hard to believe that through really hard times, particularly severe loss or disasters.

9) Gabi wonders why God has allowed this to happen to her.  If it happened to you, would you think it was God?  Or something else?

I would probably wonder if it was something divine...something so mind blowing as time travel...but I would also consider scientific reasons, like Gabi's mother.

10) What do you think of the concept of "seizing the day"?  Meaning, making the most of what you have, right now, right here?

It's important to try and seize the day...or at least appreciate the little things in life.

Giveaway! - Captivated by D. Apodaca- CLOSED

Yay!  Finally I get around to hosting a giveaway.
Courtesy of D. Apodaca who will send the winner of this giveaway a signed paperback copy of Captivated.


Mindy Keenan couldn't shake the feeling that somehow...in a matter of moments...the boy she once knew was not the one standing before her.
After Mindy's childhood best friend, Dean Aiken, shuts her and everyone else out of his life, she learns to move on. Years pass and she gets used to the fact that he's no longer a part of her life, but things begin to change...
Mindy's new best friend, Markus Medina, witnesses Dean kill two people behind a club. Mindy has a hard time believing him, especially when he mentions that the bodies disappear. Poof! Into thin air. Markus decides he has to follow Dean around in order to get evidence that he's been killing people, so he doesn't sound like a nut to the police.
Despite Marcus crazy theories about the possibility of Dean not being human. And not to mention the fact that he's dangerous. Mindy can't help that she may be falling in love with him. Even after hiding their feelings for each other from the world. Dean and Mindy being together stirs up dangers that neither of them could ever imagine. When she finds out about what Dean really is and the world he tried to keep her away from...it's already too late.


To read my Review of Captivated click here.


Ok so to enter this giveaway:

•  you must be a blog follower (join this site with Google Friend Connect can be found on the left hand side of the page)
• simply comment below- make sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.  The winner will be chosen by a random generator.
•  Open to UK and US.

Giveaway will run from the 15th October until 29th October.

And of course- may the odds be ever in your favour.

Spotlight Saturday

Spotlight Saturday is all about sharing my favourite authors or fellow reviewers putting them in the spotlight for the day!

In the spotlight today is Jessica, otherwise known as The Evangeline Lily on her amazing Youtube Channel and her new blog.
Jessica is my bookie soulmate!  We are definitely on the same page when it comes to books...basically she's awesome.

Booking Through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Booking Through Thursday and a different question is posted every week.


If you could get a sequel for any book, what would it be?


This was such a tough one as most of the books I read are part of a series, but I would say Insurgent by Veronica Roth, sequel to Divergent.  I loved Divergent, it was so good and now I am just desperate to read book 2 which is not released until next year.

Favourite Quotes

"Most superheroes fought for justice and truth. I killed morons. Still do." - Bill Bryson

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is all about sharing the books that I'm eagerly waiting to be released.


This week the book I am eagerly anticipating the release of is Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl on October 18th.

I loved the first book, Beautiful Creatures, and didn't want to read book 2, Beautiful Darkness until this was released.

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

• Paperback: 369 pages
• Publisher: David C Cook Publishing Company; New edition (21 Mar 2011)
• Language English
• ISBN-10: 1434764338
• ISBN-13: 978-1434764331

 
In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in Fourteenth-Century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the Fourteenth Century and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.

Cover: Very beautiful cover.  The girl is pretty close to how I imagined Gabriella to look.  In person it has one of those velvety-ish covers that just maikes you want to stroke it like a pet cat. 

Plot- Gabi and Lia accidentally stumble back in time.  To medieval Italy, where political intrigue and danger are rife.  Separated they must find each other in this strange time.  Without getting themselves killed or loosing their hearts to knights in shining armour.

I was super excited to start this series- time travel, medieval Italy, handsome knights, strong heroines, romance- was more than enough to convince me to buy Lisa T. Bergren's first YA series.

I had very high expectations of this book and I wasn't let down at all.  I devoured this book, reading all 369 pages in one day.  I enjoyed everything this book had to offer, beautifully rich descriptions of the time and place, excellent plot and wonderful characters. 

The characters are what really made this book amazing.  Gabriella turning up, very much a modern day girl, as you can imagine draws a ot of attention.  She captures Marcello's attention- not only because she is uncommonly tall but because of how fiery and deifferent she is, no woman in his time yields a sword like Gabi.

Marcello's cousin Luca is probably my favourite character (other than Marcello obviously, who I am a little bit in love with  myself...ok A LOT).  He was a great, funny, checcky kind of character that gave the novel that little bit more.

Overall I have to give this book 5/5 stars.  I just loved every dingle thing about it.  So much so that not only did I read it in a day but it prompted me to start book 2 in the series, Cascade, straight away and will definitely check out Lisa T. Bergren's adult books in the future.

I definitely recommend this for YA readers- especially those that enjoy historical fiction with a twist, and a cute romance.  Even thoses that may not have read historical fiction before should give this a try- it's an amazing place to start!

To watch the book trailer for Waterfall click here.

Love Like A Dog by Anne Calcagno

• Received from author
• Paperback: 236 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (June 10, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1452834989
• ISBN-13: 978-1452834986

This debut novel is a page-turning drama about familial devotion. Set in contemporary Chicago, it is the harrowing story of Dirk, a young motherless man starved for his self-centered father’s approval. A rescued pit bull alters their lives irrevocably, embroiling them in the terrible misuses to which the breed is prey. As Dirk’s father becomes entangled in criminal activity, Dirk must quickly come to terms with a series of legal and moral crises and determine for himself what it truly means to be a man.

Winner of Three Awards!

First place in First Novel from “New Generation Indie Awards”
Finalist in Animals/Pets Books category
Bronze Metal in Fiction for the Great Lakes Region from the Independent Book Publisher Awards 15th Anniversary
Honorable Mention in General Fiction category in the San Francisco Book Festival



From lovelikeadog.net

Everyone should read this book...


Cover:  The cover is what first drew me to this book.  It reminds me of my dog- so I LOVE it.


Plot: Dirk was seven when his dad found a pitbull puppy.  It changed his life- gave him a purpose and a friend, helping shape the young man he becomes.
But his father is corrupted, falling in with people that take the pitbull's staunch loyalty and use it for their own gain, for sport.

Anna Calcagno and her dog.

I wanted to read this book because like Anna Calcagno I believe in 'punish the deed not the breed'.  I know bull breeds are loving, loyal dogs but the wrong people have them for the wrong reasons and then BAM!  The media portray them as killers.  The owners are to blame, not the dogs.  It's unfair to them.
So I wanted to read this because Anna has a bull breed herself, so knows and understands these dogs, and how great they can be.
I loved this book.  It was great to read a book that expressed how wonderful these dogs are (I would read Bull's Eye or Poncho's antics and smile thinking 'Yup my dog does exactly that) whilst not ignoring the dark side of these dogs, how they're wickedly misused.


Dirk was a wonderful character, I really felt for him.  His love of his dogs was so clear.  His father Russ, oh how I wanted to reach through the pages, slap him and tell him what for.  His ignorance, arrogance and hard headedness made me want to scream.  He would not listen to reason.  His moral fibre steadily declines in this book until he is one ugly character.
Definitely a 5/5 star book.  Wonderfully written, even if sometimes the dogs poor conditions after dog fighting were hard to read about.  Perfect for those that already love these dogs or for those that are wary or uncertain of them must read this book.  I hope that more people do read this book and then maybe these misunderstood will finally be understood.

Captivated by D. Apodaca

• Received from author.
• Paperback: 375 pages
• Publisher: Eminent Books; 1st edition (June 10, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0983392900
• ISBN-13: 978-0983392903

Mindy Keenan couldn't shake the feeling that somehow...in a matter of moments...the boy she once knew was not the one standing before her.
After Mindy's childhood best friend, Dean Aiken, shuts her and everyone else out of his life, she learns to move on. Years pass and she gets used to the fact that he's no longer a part of her life, but things begin to change...
Mindy's new best friend, Markus Medina, witnesses Dean kill two people behind a club. Mindy has a hard time believing him, especially when he mentions that the bodies disappear. Poof! Into thin air. Markus decides he has to follow Dean around in order to get evidence that he's been killing people, so he doesn't sound like a nut to the police.
Despite Marcus crazy theories about the possibility of Dean not being human. And not to mention the fact that he's dangerous. Mindy can't help that she may be falling in love with him. Even after hiding their feelings for each other from the world. Dean and Mindy being together stirs up dangers that neither of them could ever imagine. When she finds out about what Dean really is and the world he tried to keep her away from...it's already too late.

Firstly I have to say a huge thanks to Deborah for sending me her book after I couldn't get hold of a paperback version here in the UK.

Cover:  Wow.  The cover is strikingly beautiful, the contrast between the gray and then vibrant hair and eye is so eye catching.  I love it!

Plot: Mindy and Dean used to be close.  Until the night Dean's parents were brutally killed, changing their friendship forever.  Dean grows cold and distant. Like she doesn't exist.
Years later Mindy swears Dean watches her, that when he looks at her his eyes are no longer cold but heated.  Just as weird things start happening- bodies with strange marks on them and a ethereal looking guy turns up at school.
Is there a future for Mindy and Dean.


I was told a few reviewers had found the first few chapters slow but I had no such problem, finding the book fast paced and I quickly got through it.
There were only a couple of niggly things that I didn't like- mainly that the main character Mindy sometimes came off as shallow and self absorbed, "Checking herself out in the mirror" and I felt constantly concentrating on how the guys looked...base level stuff.
Overall I found the writing style fast paced and easy to read, which made the book very enjoyable.  Extra props if her Mother saying "Wrath's waiting" when she was going off to read her book was a Black Dagger Brotherhood reference...if if wasn't I'm going to take it that it was :P
The book is pre-dominantly Mindy's perspective but the last few chapters were Dean's, and I found myself enjoying those chapters the most.
The dynamic of humans, vampires and slayers and who's who really worked well.  But man the ending DEVASTATED me, a total NOOOOO moment.  It can't end like that I HAVE to know what happens.  I am completely hooked now.
Overall I would give this book 4/5 stars, Mindy's character really prevented me from giving it 5.  It's great if you love paranormal romance.
I hope to find out what happens next soon and the end is killing me.


* Keep your eyes peeled on the blog because I will be hosting a giveaway for an e-copy of Captivated courtesy of D. Apodaca soon!