Stacey's Quick takes on Books

Stacey's Quick Takes

Looking for a quick opinion or review of a novel or writer? Stacey has a whole lot of quick takes to help you find a book or series that you might be interested in reading.

Quick Takes

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

THIS TIME, THERE WILL BE NO TURNING BACK.

Talk about twists and turns! This is Julie's best book yet. I was very impressed with her world building. I had great visuals of the battles and all the warriors on each of the three sides (Summer, Winter, Iron). I was happy to see how well she tied all her characters together, surprised by the ending, and sad by what she had to do to save Nevernever. I actually got a little teary eyed during the final three chapters.

My summary: If you haven't read Julie's series then you need to get to your local bookstore and grab it up. She's quite a talent and one of my favorite new YA fantasy authors. The next book in this series is Iron Knight which will be in Ash's point of view. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this. I will be on pins and needles awaiting the release. The Iron Queen (Harlequin Teen)

You can check out my interview with Julie here

A Brush of Darkness (Allison Pang)

I discovered Allison when I was reading the tweets of one of my favorite literary agents (Sara Megibow of the Nelson Literary Agency). She was talking to Allison so I decided to check her out. I'm always looking for up-and-coming fantasy authors for my website, the YA Fantasy Guide. After reading the summary of the book, I decided to contact Allison. I was lucky enough to get the ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) for her first release.

Let me just say: WOW. I loved this novel. What an impressive debut. This IS a writer to watch! She had me from page one and I read the whole freakin thing in less than 48 hours. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just say that if you like sexy, heart pumping, adult urban fantasy, then please check this one out! It's priced at $7.99 so easily affordable and also available on ebooks!

On a side note, Allison is a really fun person and interesting to talk to. I have her scheduled to interview with my website in January, 2011. I wish her nothing but success in the future! Interview is here

Hush, Hush (Becca Fitzpatrick)

I interviewed Becca for my website in December 2010. I always try to read the book before I do the interview. Unfortunately, Becca was very busy at the time so I had to create the questions before I had time to read the book. Finally, I was able to get to it on 12/28/10 and I finished it today. That's right, the whole book in 24 hours. Is it because I'm a speed reader? Nope. It's because the book was that good.

I love 1st person point of view and the religious mythology behind the story. Becca killed me with suspense. In my head, I'm saying 'give in, give in and kiss him already' LOL! Needless to say, I was very involved in this story. It's hard to believe that this is Becca's first novel. Her writing style is so polished that you'd think she's been doing this all her life.

Lastly, I just want to say that I love Patch. God, please send me one of those - just don't tell my husband, LMAO!

Dark Flame (The Immortals 4) (Alyson Noel)

Ever is trying to help Haven transition into life as an immortal. But with Haven drunk on her new powers and acting recklessly, she poses the ultimate threat-exposing their secret world to the outside. As Ever struggles to keep the Immortals hidden, it only propels Haven closer to the enemy-Roman and his evil companions

At the same time, Ever delves deeper into dark magick to free Damen from Roman's power. But when her spell backfires, it binds her to the one guy who's hell-bent on her destruction. Now there's a strange, foreign pulse coursing through her, and no matter what she does, she can't stop thinking about Roman-and longing for his touch. As she struggles to resist the fiery attraction threatening to consume her, Roman is more than willing to take advantage of her weakened state.and Ever edges closer and closer to surrender.

Frantic to break the spell before its too late, Ever turns to Jude for help, risking everything she knows and loves to save herself-and her future with Damen .

This one was pretty dark. Ever was tortured pretty bad. I gotta say, I'm not crazy about Haven becoming an immortal, but that's because I've always found her pretty annoying and in this book she's off the chain annoying. This is a good book, but my least favorite of the series. Alyson, please get rid of the no touching curse thing. You're killing me! Read Stacey's Interview with Alyson Noel here

Night Star (The Immortals 5) (Alyson Noel)

**spoiler alert** Haven still blames Ever for the death of her boyfriend Roman, no matter how hard Ever's tried to convince her it was an accident. Now she's determined to take Ever down.and destroy Damen and Jude along the way. Her first step is to tear Ever and Damen apart-and she has just the ammunition to do it.

Hidden in one of Ever's past lives is a terrible secret about Damen-a secret that illuminates new facts about her relationship with Jude, but that's so dark and brutal it might be enough to drive her and Damen apart once and for all. As Ever faces her greatest fears about the guy she wants to spend eternity with, she's thrust into a deadly clash with Haven that could destroy them all.

Now it'll take everything she's got-and bring out powers she never knew she had-to face down her most formidable enemy. But in order to win, she must first ask herself: is her own survival worth dooming Haven to an eternity of darkness in the Shadowland? And will learning the truth about Damen's past hold the key to their future?

I love Alyson, but I have to give this one a lower rating. I'm glad about the way things ended with Haven because she is so annoying, but this curse thing has dragged on too long. I feel like she's doing this because she doesn't want the characters to have sex, but this curse thing should have ended two books ago. I'm ready for a new storyline for this series. I do like how Jude mixes into the story. He's a character that's always peeked my interest. I'm not crazy about this book, but I will read the next book which I believe in the final of the series. Read Stacey's Interview with Alyson Noel here

Valiant , Modern Fairy Tales 2 (Holly Black)

I had a chance to interview Holly back in November, 2010. I'd always heard she was a great writer and I'm a longtime fan of her writing partner, Cassandra Clare, so I decided to give her a try. I'm so glad I did. Bottom line, Holly is a great writer. She's so dark and her characters are so original. It feels like a treat each time I read one of her books.

Valiant was cool because she really gets into dark faerie mythology. You really get a sense of the time she puts into her research. That alone makes this a good read. Also, Holly is a master world builder. You can see, taste, and smell her locations. I've never been homeless or addicted to drugs, but I really feel like she gave me a glimpse into that lifestyle.

My only beef with Holly is that I'd like to see more romance in her novels. That's not anything against her - that's just my personal taste. Give me some more lovin Holly! Then, in my eyes, you'd be perfect!

Shadowland (The Immortals 3) (Alyson Noel)

Ever and Damen have traveled through countless past lives-and fought off the world's darkest enemies-so they could be together forever. But just when their long-awaited destiny is finally within reach, a powerful curse falls upon Damen.one that could destroy everything. Now a single touch of their hands or a soft brush of their lips could mean sudden death-plunging Damen into the Shadowland. Desperate to break the curse and save Damen, Ever immerses herself in magick-and gets help from an unexpected source.a surfer named Jude.

Although she and Jude have only just met, he feels startlingly familiar. Despite her fierce loyalty to Damen, Ever is drawn to Jude, a green-eyed golden boy with magical talents and a mysterious past. She's always believed Damen to be her soulmate and one true love-and she still believes it to be true. But as Damen pulls away to save them, Ever's connection with Jude grows stronger-and tests her love for Damen like never before.

Okay, I forgive Alyson for the no touching thing because she introduced us to Jude. Yum. Like him and am interested to see where he goes in this. Also, Rowan is so bad, but I kinda like him to in a sick twisted way that I can explain. Either way, I liked this one. Good job Alyson. Keep it up! Read Stacey's Interview with Alyson Noel here

Blue Moon Alyson Noel The Immortals 2

Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world by her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever's powers are increasing, Damen's are fading-stricken by a mysterious illness that threatens his memory, his identity, his life.

Desperate to save him, Ever travels to the mystical dimension of Summerland, uncovering not only the secrets of Damen's past-the brutal, tortured history he hoped to keep hidden-but also an ancient text revealing the workings of time. With the approaching blue moon heralding her only window for travel, Ever is forced to decide between turning back the clock and saving her family from the accident that claimed them-or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows weaker each day...

This is another great book from Alyson Noel. This one really tugged at the heart strings when everyone seemingly turned against Ever including Damen. I was happy when he was saved, but the price they paid killed me. No more nookie? I need my romance Alyson, don't do this to me. Read Stacey's Interview with Alyson Noel here

Fragile Eternity, Melissa Marr, wicked lovely 3

Fragile Eternity takes us back to the summer court. Keenan and Aislinn's connection becomes even more intense as the summer months begin. The sexual attraction is undenialable. This one actually made me feel sorry for Keenan. Then, Seth takes us to the High Court in hopes of becoming a faerie for his Summer Queen. Everything gets twisted once again and I loved every minute! A must read even if you don't like faeries.

I had a chance to interview Melissa. You can check that out here

Radiant Shadows, Melissa Marr Wicked lovely 4

This one started off a bit confusing to me. I couldn't get a mental picture of the Gabriel's. I couldn't figure out if they were animals or cars. Maybe it's me, who knows? Once I got it then I was hooked. I'm starting to feel sorry for all Melissa's characters. I'm hoping at least some of them have a happily ever after when she concludes the series in her fifth novel. I had a chance to interview Melissa. You can check that out here

Clockwork Angel, The infernal devices 1, Cassandra Clare

I have to admit that I was afraid to read this one. I loved the Mortal Instruments series and I thought it would be impossible for her to top that. I was dead wrong! This is an awesome debut for the series. I was on pins and needles while reading. I read the whole thing in one day because I couldn't put it down. This is Cassandra's best in my opinion. I had a chance to interview her over the summer. You can check out that interview here

Wicked Lovely, Melissa Marr

Let me just say that Melissa is a talented writer. It's hard to believe that this is her debut as a novelist. Wicked Lovely brakes the mold of what you expect to see in a young adult novel. It's dark and sexy. The characters are tainted and twisted. I loved every minute of this one. I also loved Seth, all body pierced and complicated. Just lovely, no pun intended. I had a chance to interview Melissa. You can check that out here

The Iron King, Julie Kagawa, The Iron Fey 1

This is a great debut novel. Julie takes some characters that we know from Midsummer's Night Dream and creates a whole new story. I thought it was well written and creative. I tend to be drawn toward stories that are retellings out of history or mythology. I had a chance to interview her in May 2010. You can check out that interview here

The Iron Daughter, Iron Fey 2, Julie Kagawa

I liked Iron King, but I loved Iron Daughter. I wanted to see more romance in Daughter and Julie gave me what I needed. I loved the new characters and of course Ash. He's my kind of fictional leading man! I can't wait to read Iron Queen. I had a chance to interview Julie in May 2010. You can check out that interview here

City of Ashes, Cassandra Clare, the mortal instruments 2

This is the second book of the Mortal Instuments series. I was hooked with City of Bones so I couldn't wait to read this one. I love the world she created. She is a great storyteller and literally my favorite writer of 2010. I had a chance to interview her for my website. You can check out that interview here

City of Bones, Mortal Instruments 1, Cassandra Clare

I loved this book. I read it when I landed an interview with Cassandra Clare. After the interview, I bought the rest of the series. Cassandra is literally my favorite writer of 2010! I'd read a dictionary if she wrote it! You can check out my interview with her here

Inside Out, Maria V Snyder. Inside out 1

I was actually more familiar with her adult novels when I interviewed her for my website. Afterwards, she sent me inside out and I really liked it. It's an easy read with fun, interesting twists. You can check out her interview here

City of Glass, Mortal Instruments 3 Cassandra Clare

This is my favorite book of the series so far. The world she creates is amazing. She's an awesome storyteller and my favorite author for 2010. I had a chance to interview her for my website. You can check out that interview here

Tithe - Modern Faerie Tales 1, Holly Black

I had a chance to interview Holly back in November, 2010. I'd always heard she was a great writer and I'm a longtime fan of her writing partner, Cassandra Clare, so I decided to give her a try. I'm so glad I did. Bottom line, Holly is a great writer. She's so dark and her characters are so original. It feels like a treat each time I read one of her books.

Tithe was cool because she really gets into dark faerie mythology. You really get a sense of the time she puts into her research. That alone makes this a good read. I also like her characters and the fact that one of them is gay. You need to see more of them in YA - period. Also, Holly is a master world builder. You can see, taste, and smell her locations. I've never been to NY, but when I read her books, I feel like I have.

My only beef with Holly is that I'd like to see more romance in her novels. That's not anything against her - that's just my personal taste. Give me some more lovin Holly! Then, in my eyes, you'd be perfect!

Evermore, The Immortals #1 by Alyson Noel

I was a bit hesitant to read this one because I'd heard that Alyson writes too close to Stephenie Meyer's style. However, I had someone tell me that I HAD to give it a read and I'm so glad I listened. Alyson does have a similar style, but I think she's a better writer than Stephenie. Settle down, Twihards. ;-p

I read this book in one day. She had me on page one. Ever is a great character. The love scenes are just right for YA, leaving just enough to the imagination. I was so impressed with her that I went after her for an interview. You can read that here

On a personal note: I can tell you that Alyson is really a fun, friendly person. Everyone that's ever worked with her has always told me how cool she is with her fans. She's always on Twitter answering fans questions and even gave me a signed copy of Evermore for a future website contest. (less)

Fallen, Lauren Kate

I've had this one in my book pile for over a month. I bought it because I'd heard that Lauren was a great writer, but I had a ton of other books I had promised I'd read first. Anyway, I finally got to the book on 12/21/10 and literally could not put it down. Took it with me to the doctors office, grocery store, bathroom (LOL), etc. Basically, anywhere that I might have a minute to keep reading.

She really got me because I had no idea what was going to happen. You spend half the book trying to figure out who Daniel is and why he keeps pushing her away. I was so wrapped up in this one that I can't wait to read Torment! I also went after Lauren for an interview. She'll be featured on my website in January 2011!

Bottom Line: If you like dark and mysterious romance then give this YA fantasy a read!

Shiver, The wolves of Mercy Falls 1, Maggie Stiefvater

**spoiler alert** I'm going to tell you why Maggie Stiefvater is one of the best young adult fantasy authors out there.

First, because she created a werewolf character that we aren't used to seeing. No full moon changes in this one. Her werewolves are seasonal and eventually become full blown wolves. In terms of personalities, most werewolves are rough, violent, and nothing but mean. Her Sam is sensitive and artistic. As he struggled with his destiny, I hurt for him. I literally cried - CRIED - when he turned. I was there in that moment. She totally had me!

Second, Maggie gave us a POV change that actually worked. It's interesting to experience a budding romance from both sides for once. I was never lost or confused in the story. I enjoyed the fact that Sam is a songwriter and that he created songs as part of his internal conversation. In terms of storytelling, I could feel, smell and taste every scene. Her dialogue was spot on and she even had me laughing a few times.

Bottom line: Maggie is fantastic. I'd recommend this to anyone - period.

Ink Exchange, Melissa Marr, Wicked Lovely 2

I found it interesting that the main characters changed in the sequel. Most books that I've read keep going with the same story, but Melissa gave us new characters with different struggles. The main character in this one is Leslie. Her background breaks my heart. Niall also becomes a main character in this one and we get to know him better. His backstory is another heartbreaker. This is another must read from a very talented writer!

I had a chance to interview Melissa. You can check that out here

Nocturne, Syrie James

I got my hands on this ARC (Advanced Readers Copy)because I did an interview with Syrie's totally awesome literary agent, Tamar Rydzinski. You can check out that interview here

Anyway, I got my hands on Nocturne and WOW, what a read! This one is another page turner by a talented and established writer. If you like urban fantasy then you MUST give this one a read. Syrie James is one of the best out there! I will be featuring an interview with her on my website in January 2011.