(clicking on the cover will take you to Goodreads!) | Title: The Appeal of Evil Author: Pembroke Sinclair Published on: January 13th 2014 Genre: Paranormal (YA) Author's blog Part of a series?: The Road to Salvation #1 Get a copy: Amazon I Barnes & Noble Katie wants to invest her heart and soul in love, but she may lose both to Hell. Katie, a senior in high school, is torn between loving the "good" guy, her childhood friend Wes who makes promises he doesn't keep and abandons her when she needs him the most, and the "bad" guy, the new kid at school Josh who is also a real demon from Hell. Katie wants someone who pays attention to her and puts her first, but what is she willing to give up to find him? |
(I received a review copy of The Appeal of Evil -thank you!- in exchange for an honest review. My review is written in my own opinion and is uninfluenced by anyone.) I've only read a few books that center around the "Bad Boy" trope. After reading The Appeal of Evil, I'm fairly certain that while some people love bad boys in their books, I just can't stand reading about them. I only got through a few chapters of Beautiful Disaster before deciding to DNF it for the sake of my sanity, and I'm sorry to say that The Appeal of Evil only fared somewhat better because it actually had potential. By that, I only mean at the beginning of the book. But before I do that, here's a small quiz to ascertain if you'd enjoy the book or not: Question: If you were dragged off to an abandoned warehouse by a demon and witnessed a fight (supposedly to the death) between said demon and a Praesul who's broken your heart before, who would you choose?
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Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites. Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all. Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen. Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her. It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt. Is there going to be a sequel? There had better freaking be one, or I'm going to raise he- OH THERE IS ?!?! One day I will meet Marie Lu, and I will let her know the grief, the joy, the overwhelming darkness, and the overall exhilaration of reading The Young Elites and how it is both okay and not okay. I will let her know that the Legend trilogy was already a story that wowed me but The Young Elites was so much better that it totally knocked the books off a spot of their inital ranking on my imaginary Top 10 Best Reads of 2014 list . And topped it. Like a boss.
J.L. Weil’s next novel in her The Divisa Series, Loving Angel, is out and today I am joining in the release launch. Loving Angel, the fourth installment in The Divisa Series is told from the drool-enticing Chase Winters. Readers get to venture inside the overprotective, smexy half-demon’s head, and for those who have read the series, you never know what Chase is going to say or do. The first novel in the series, Saving Angel, is out if you haven’t started this series. Scroll down to read an interview with J. L. Weil! a b o u t t h e b o o k
As many as it took. Angel is about to experience betrayal of the worst kind. And this time, it’s not entirely my fault—shocker. Buy Links: Amazon I Barnes & Noble I Smashwords i n t e r v i e w w i t h J. L. W e i l 1. When did you start writing? Oh gosh, that is like asking my age. I started writing in junior high, but nothing serious, just fun short stories here and there. It wasn’t until I was in my twenties that I sat down and began my first novel. My kids were older and I needed a hobby. That hobby turned into late nights at the computer, because I couldn’t get the characters out of my head. I knew from the moment I made the decision, I wanted to write Teen Romance. 2. What is your favourite writing style? I am not an outline or a plotter. Plotting makes my eyes go cross. I do take a lot notes. A lot. Usually I have a general idea in my head of characters, settings, and motives. Then I let the story build as I write. Often I write the ending first, so that I have a goal to aim toward. My favorite writing style is first person. I think my writing style is more of everyday talk. It is not filled with prose. I have a simpler writing style. It is what works for me. 3. What's the best thing about writing? The best thing about writing is the satisfaction when you finish a book and write those two words. The End. I also love getting emails and letters from readers who have read my books. It is my motivation to keep writing. 4. What do you do when you're not writing? I spend time with my family, play video games, and am constantly thinking about my new characters and what kind of paranormal power/gift I could give them. 5. Do you like reading? I love, love reading and miss it tremendously, because when I’m drafting, writing, or editing, I never have time to read. You should see my TBR list… *sigh* a b o u t t h e a u t h o r
Seventeen year old Aqua Vickers lives a secluded life in the English countryside. She keeps herself that way, hiding in plain sight, out of fear. She has no idea where she came from or what she is, she just knows she isn't human. Her mother is convinced she's an angel, but does having wings make you an angel? Sharp, angular and intimidating black wings? The only other person Aqua has let into her life is Aaron, her best friend. They've grown up together, shared every milestone and Aqua's feelings for him have developed into something more. In a moment of impulse, Aqua revels her true nature. Aaron freaks, hurting Aqua so badly that she flees into the night. Lucas has been watching and waiting. As an Angeli Tail it is his job to be a spy; and he's been ordered to watch Aqua. Lost and vulnerable above the clouds, Aqua is reaching exhaustion. When Lucas offers her the answers she seeks, she follows him impulsively. In a city, carved into the rock of a mountain, Aqua discovers she's not as alone as she thought; and her life has been rooted on a bed of lies and deception. In her absence, her home is attacked and her mother taken. With this new enemy intent on her capture and new family who aren't all welcoming, Aqua must integrate and train with the Angeli Guard if she has any hope of rescuing her mother from the hands of the Dragone. The Angeli Guard Master is unforgiving and ruthless, allowing Aqua little rest from his relentless and painful training exercises. Aqua can barely stand to look at him, but can't seem to exterminate the butterflies she feels when he's around. War is coming but Aqua's battles may need to be fought closer to home. (I received a review copy of Aquila: From the Darkness -thank you!- in exchange for an honest review. My review is written in my own opinion and is uninfluenced by anyone.) Aquila: From The Darkness started off with an interesting premise, as most books do. Within the first pages, I was introduced to Aqua and her strange abilities, which really sparked some interest in me. Aqua and her mother lives in a quiet, secluded area due to her having wings, which the majority of people might not respond well to. The only person that Aqua has ever actively interacted with -other than her mother, of course- is Aaron, whom she has a crush on, except that her love for him is unrequited...or is it? We may never know. Best friends for life, Aaron and Aqua tell each other everything, save for one thing...Aqua has never told him about her wings and somewhat inhuman abilities, nor has she gathered up the courage to do so. On Aaron's birthday party, Aqua finally gives Aaron a full-on display of her wings -yes, including boobs and all- to explain why she ran away after their first kiss. Aaron freaks out which leads to Aqua flying away to -what? She doesn't know, until someone who has wings follows her and suggests to bring Aqua to their residence, their city, where Aqua eventually decides to stay at. Everyone there has wings and special abilities, and they're not human - instead, they're called the Angeli. While this story clicked well with other readers on Goodreads, I had quite a hard time reading it. The main problem was Aqua. I simply did not like her at all. Her decisions, thoughts, and actions seemed childlish to me, and I could not understand nor accept her decision to overthrow the Script, which is a set of rules that the Angeli follow. Who does she thinks she is? No, seriously! These people have been living there for all their lives and she, someone who has just started living there for a few months, plans to rid their beliefs? Her notions and theories on why she hates the Script are plausible but not in-depth. Aqua could be praised of her headstrong nature, but I say she's a tad too impulsive. Her feelings change like the weather without much explanation, and not in a good way. I'd like to address the romance. Yes, there's a love triangle in this story -there's a little eye-rolling in there, just a bit, but not because every other book out there has a love triangle. Similar to the plot, the love triangle in this story is confusing, muddled, and not very enjoyable for that matter. There's Aqua, there's Aaron, and of course, the hot, alluring male. Sexy-hot-male hates Aqua with a passion the second he laid eyes on her because it was discovered that Aqua...is not as alike to the Angeli as they thought. He treats her like dog poop, and Aqua is caused much discomfort by this. Turns out he was just pretending, because after a few fights he confesses his love for Aqua and BAM. Everything goes back to normal, and just like that, they're having secret kissing sessions when they're supposed to be training. (Oops. Forgot to tell you sexy god's name - it's Liam.) HOLD YOUR HORSES RIGHT THERE, PEOPLE! What about the apologies? That's what I dislike so much about this story - everything happens suddenly without credibility! What...what about Aqua being half-dragone? But then, a series of events happen, Aaron avoids meeting with Aqua, and still she worries about him! I mean - what the - the boy hurt her and did not even properly apologize! I AM SO DONE WITH THE ROMANCE. (and I'm so sorry if you're already confused) Moving on to the storyline. It would've be a lot - TONS - better (for me, at least) if the events that happened made sense. For fear of spoiling the story I won't go into the details, but more often than not I felt differently from what the author was trying to convey - may it be through conversation, characterization, or just the plot in general. Events where the author was trying to invoke feelings of concern felt fake and bland; self-determination came off as being uncooperative and obstinate. August (Aqua's long-lost brother. Don't even ask.) made Aqua look like a grown-up, which didn't help at all. The rest of the characters were slightly -if not more- better. Lucas was quite friendly and charming -for a guy who had stalked Aqua for a few months before deciding to let her know about the Angeli. The ending was a huge improvement. The story was kind of going on a monotone for me - a few interesting events would happen which levelled out the exasperation I felt for Aqua. I was waiting for something to happen but the plot twist came so abruptly I was not prepared. Now I'm simply curious as to what happens to Aqua in the next book, but for the most part, this was my reaction to the story - *not happy* Anyhoo, the story's interesting if you look at it another way, and I'm sure readers will still be attracted to the plot and characters. This book just wasn't for me, but it has potential to grab another reader's attention. Love strong-willed characters in stories? Or do you love reading about characters that are angels and have special capabilities? With them living and working together as an organization? Then you may like this book! my rating for Aquila: From the Darkness: Somewhere between 2 and 3 stars. If you've been keeping up with my posts lately, you might've noticed that they are somewhat out of control. Like: a) suddenly there will be two many blog tours, cover reveals, or book blitzes b) ...and no reviews c) or my blog is updated only once or twice a week d) ...but sometimes I post every seven days d) and NO DISCUSSION POSTS GOD I LOVE THOSE e) and I fell back on weekly features...stuff like Top Ten Tuesday I'm going to explain why that is for the above scenarios, and the events that are happening in my life. So you don't think that I'm getting bored on books...or blogging, even when it's just been six months. (Wait a second - SIX MONTHS?!) No, even when I'm getting blogger burnout I'll still be around to annoy you with my lack of organization, so there. So What's Been Happening? Remember when I told you that my final exams were over and that I'm totally free to do whatever I like? (i.e.: reading) That's not entirely true. While all my dreams are of kicking my feet up and reading all day long, in real life I'm in the school orchestra, which limits my me-time. Since their standards are high, sometimes when I get home from practice -which takes up half a day or an entire one- I have to work even harder at home to ensure that I can play an entire piece without difficulties. When I'm spent like that I don't even want to touch my blog, but then I groan and remember that I signed up for a bunch of blog tours/cover revals/book blitzes the month I had my exam. So when I'm done editing those, there's only one to two hours left to read/review a book until I feel the need for sleep. There's also one or two music competitions coming up in November and December, not to mention a music camp. We train like crazy for those, and that leaves me with even less to no time to write blog posts. So all you see now is book blitz after cover reveal after blog tour with one or two reviews in between. I'm just letting you know all this because I'm still trying to find some balance between blogging and life, and until I do that my blog will look like it malfunctioned -or still malfunctioning- , spitting out one book blitz after another. I'm not happy to do this. I'm already typing up some posts and discussions so Perusing Bookshelves won't look too empty when I'm busy with competitions and stuff. (Plus I'm working on some Christmassy posts for December too!) The Bottom Line Is... I'd like to say sorry for the absence of order on this blog. I started it in June with hopes that I'd run a fun book blog with engaging blog posts and I haven't done a good job of doing that. Review copies I received from authors that I'd promised will review are building up. Dear authors that have sent me review copies, please do believe me when I say that I feel like an asshole -and I do!- for not having reviewed your book yet, but when I'm exhausted I usually try to avoid reading a review copy; it only makes things harder for me when I actually get down to writing a review. Sometimes I take 5 days or an entire week to get through a book and so I revert back to a comfort read or pick up something on my TBR pile that I know I'll love...which only leads to more books not being reviewed. It's crazy, but it's still my responsibility to run this blog - so here's a sorry hug from me. Just remember that I still love reading and updating PB with more stuff! Most importantly, I love you readers. h a p p y r e a d i n g
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Kat is a voracious reader who enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good book. Fantasy is definitely her cup of tea. She often complains about never having enough time to read and constantly struggles with keeping her TBR pile a considerably decent size. Read more or keep up with her bookish whims on Goodreads or bloglovin.
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