Mistwood by Leah Cypess

In a world where sorcerers and kings walk, there is the legend of the Shifter. It is said to be formed from the mist and fog and can choose to change forms. For centuries its purpose has been to protect the royal family at the cost of her life, returning to her home, Mistwood, in times of peace. When Prince Rokan summons Isabel from Mistwood, she cannot remember anything. So without any choice she keeps to the loyalty she has known from the beginning. But Isabel has a problem not only does she not remember anything, she cannot shift. Secrets pile up between the king and his Shifter. When one is revealed everything comes crashing down. Isabel must decide where her loyalties lie and who exactly she is while facing the dangers that come with being an immortal bodyguard.

The Good: This novel was an exciting, unique read that I enjoyed thoroughly. It was very different from the average paranormal novel. It first and foremost did not have romance as a main focus. But surprisingly, as a romantic, this did not bother. I actually preferred it this way. The fantasy aspect was also refreshing because many novels do not contain this. The time period it took place is one I have been interested in years. I have always loved kings, princesses, knights, castles. But if you do not like period novels this story is not for you. I would like to commend Cypess on is writing a single novel. It seems lately everything I read has at least one sequel if not more. Don’t get me wrong I love series, but I think it takes a lot more talent to write a stand-alone novel that has enough of a plotline to keep you reading but does not leave too many unanswered questions. In Mistwood it was very well done.

The Bad: One of the things I love best about period novels are the dialect; big words and fancy wording. I found several line of dialogue to be a bit modern to flow in this setting. This, for me, took away from melodic flow of Middle Ages’ speech. One thing I never take too much notice in is the titles of books. But for some reason this one bothered me. I can’t be too critical because whenever I have to title something I cringe but the title “Mistwood” had little to do with the novel or plotline. Only three scenes (chapters) took place here. I feel another title may have been more appropriate.

The Ugly Updates: The link for Leah Cypess's website is in my right sidebar. She has some short stories and other books about shapeshifters she recommends. There is no word, as of now, on any more novels by Cypess. 



Rating: B+ 

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Teaser Tuesday: Radiant Shadows

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teasers from Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr (Click title to order):

 "She watched as he jabbed a thin tube into her skin. Bruises from the last several tube decorated her skin like love bites" (pg 29)

Weekly Update (3)

This week we have some awesome things to look forward to. As always lots of reviews, but this week I'm introducing something new; CONTEST!! Its going to be a very anticipated title so check back on Thursday, July 1st for that. Also something very exciting is happening, not related to the blog, Eclipse is being released on Wednesday! Very exciting. Eclipse is my favorite book in the series so I'm very much looking forward to it. Also look for my review/thoughts on The Second Life of Bree Tanner next week. (I'm just about done, its very very good)

Reviews this week:

• Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
• The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
• Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Hope everyone has a great week and an amazing  Independence Day Weekend!

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Weekly Discussion: Series vs. Stand Alones

This week I'm going to be talking about the pro and cons of series and stand alone novels. Marginally, I prefer stand alones over series. I think it is much harder to write a stand alone. To make a story interesting and intriguing and have a large climax but yet get everything wrapped together in about 300 pages is not that easy. I'm assuming. But I think if you write a series you never need to have a set conclusion till the end of the series which is usually a minimum of 3 but can be 7-10.

Another reason I love stand alone novels is with all the books I read it is so hard to keep series separate. And I don't always have time to reread the books before the newest book. And books like the Private or Pretty Little Liars have so many books and twists. Plus its sometimes almost a year since I read the last book. Its very hard to keep everything straight. And also very frustrating to be confused.

There is also ways to tastefully do series. I love series that each book has a definite conclusion and that you would be fairly satisfied if the series ended there. Examples of this are The Mortal Instruments and Twilight Saga. Don't get me wrong I love to read series they just frustrate me somewhat.

So what do you think? Which do you prefer? What are your favorite series? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

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The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

As the Darkest Powers series comes to a close Chloe and her friends must find out what secrets their society of supernaturals, specifically the Edison Group, is hiding. Chloe and her friends have had one heck of a week, after running from Lyle House and then the Edison Group they have finally found a place where they are safe. At least for now. As Chloe, a ghost seer or necromancer will exceptional powers, starts to uncover the secrets of the house they are staying in and the people they are beginning to trust. The group, Simon, Damon, and Tori, must decide who is telling the truth, while dealing with the uncertainties of their accelerated powers. Friendships and loyalties are tested as traitors are revealed. Ultimately, Chloe and the rest must find a way to overcome their differences and figure out the story behind all the secrets.

The Good: The Reckoning is an exciting, action-packed conclusion to a series I have enjoyed immensely. Chloe is an ambitious, stubborn, witty character that makes this story come to life. Damon, on the other hand, is loud and overbearing, but is always trying to put others first. Both of their inner struggles develop them into dynamic, relatable characters that are a joy to read. This story continues to unravel and then form new secrets and twists that keep you turning the pages. And though the first two novels had little romance this one does. And let me just say it’s intense. Romantics will not be disappointed. The end of the story is wrapped up very nicely leaving no loose ends unanswered, which most people enjoy at the end of the series. Overall this novel has good flow and style with adventurous characters and enough twists to keep our minds guessing.

The Bad: This novel was very hard to find something negative about it. I found a certain decisions made by the characters unrealistic, even for a paranormal novel. But this novel was my favorite of the trilogy and was an interesting, suspenseful read. 

The Ugly Updates:You can find Kelley Armstrong's website in my right sidebar. There is also a site dedicated just to the Darkest Powers series found here. You can find some pretty awesome things like short stories related to the series, Armstrong signings, and discussion forums. Check it out! Armstrong's new series for YA, Darkness Rising, will begin April 11, 2011 with The Gathering. Can't Wait!!
Reviews for: The Summoning & The Awakening
Books on Amazon: The Summoning, The Awakening, & The Reckoning  

Rating: A


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