Book Review: Mercy By Rebecca Lim

Mercy

Rebecca Lim

Mercy ′wakes′ on a school bus bound for Paradise, a small town where everyone knows everyone else′s business -- or thinks they do. But they will never guess the secret Mercy is hiding .... As an angel exiled from heaven and doomed to return repeatedly to Earth, Mercy is never sure whose life and body she will share each time. And her mind is filled with the desperate pleas of her beloved, Luc, who can only approach her in her dreams.
In Paradise, Mercy meets Ryan, whose sister was kidnapped two years ago and is now presumed dead. When another girl disappears, Mercy and Ryan know they must act before time runs out. But a host of angels are out for Mercy′s blood and they won′t rest until they find her and punish her -- for a crime she doesn′t remember committing ...
An electric combination of angels, mystery and romance, Mercy is the first book in a major new series.

My Thoughts

I was all set to absolutely love this book. 

After all, the blurb touts Mercy as being an Angel, with, and I quote 'a host of angels are out for Mercy′s blood and they won′t rest until they find her and punish her -- for a crime she doesn′t remember committing ...'

Only nowhere in the book (or rather the ARC that I read) does it actually EVER mention the word Angel (except for when used as a term of endearment). 

Unless you want to count the one time it mentions Heaven on the cover and the 3 times Angel is used in the back cover summary.

Yes she is 'something' other than human with a strange talent for knowing things about people by touching them. 

Yes she dreams about the mysterious Luc night after night, and glows by the light of the moon.

And yes its alluded to when she starts spouting Latin and exacting out vengeance, but come on........even she (Mercy) doesn't throw that around as an explanation for her quirks.

And as for the 'host of angels' we see one (again, he isn't called an angel in the book) for like half a page.

On the positive side, Mercy has been written with a strong female voice. 

She's confident, strong willed, and eager to help others. 

She knows that there's something strange about her and does her best to keep it hidden while also trying to find answers within herself. She listens to her gut instinct and for the most part, it keeps her out of trouble. And the love interest Ryan, is loyal, has a strong sense of family, and he trusts Mercy enough to help keep her secret.

I'm really struggling with how I feel about this book. All the ingredients are there but they just don't quite come together. I have more questions than answers after reading it, but it was still a good read.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Hopefully the next two book in this series will pull the story together a bit more and answer those pressing questions.

Mercy was released in Australia/New Zealand Oct 28 2010 and is set to release in USA May 2011

Exile (Mercy bk2) is set for a May 1 2011 Australia/NZ release

Muse (Mercy bk3) is set for a Oct 27 2011 Australia/NZ release (sorry I have no international dates)

**edited to add**
Although I didn't love this book, I did like it a lot and feel bad
for coming down on it. But I am nothing if not honest, and its
only 'my opinion' after all.
-Cath

Book Reveiw: In The Arms Of Stone Angels By Jordan Dane

*I hate spoilers in a review and therefore will only include the blurb for this book and refrain from giving away anything else for the benefit of those who may still have this on their TBR piles.*

 

In The Arms Of Stone Angels

Jordan Dane 

 

"In the arms of stone angels I am not afraid"
–Brenna Nash

 Two years ago I did a terrible thing. I accused my best friend of being a killer after seeing him kneeling over a girl’s body. That moment and that outcast boy still haunt me. Now my mom is forcing me back to Oklahoma and I can’t get White Bird out of my mind. But when I find out he’s not in juvie—that he’s in a mental hospital, locked in his tormented brain at the worst moment of his life—I can’t turn my back on him again.
No one wants me to see him. My mom doesn’t trust me. The town sheriff still thinks I was involved in the murder. And the other kids who knew the dead girl are after me. I’m as trapped as White Bird. And when I touch him, I get sucked into his living hell, a vision quest of horrifying demons and illusions of that night. Everything about him scares me now, but I have to do something. This time I can’t be a coward. This time I have to be his friend.
Even if I get lost, as well...

MY THOUGHTS

I have been wanting to read this book for quite some time and was absolutely thrilled to receive an egalley copy from netGalley.

I was extremely impressed with the very intense and often brutal accuracy with which the author described the teenagers in this book. Not just the lead character, Brenna, but every teenager in this book is extremely well written with all the angst and heartache that is often hidden under the surface of even the most popular kids.
I found some parts of the story shocking and terrifyingly familiar. In the 20 years since I left school teenagers have seemingly learnt nothing and parents are still blind to the downsides of the pubescent social ladder.
The love story in this book was sweet and grew slowly as the plot was revealed, and as Brenna grew into a more confident and honest version of herself.
With many twists and turns, In The Arms Of Stone Angels kept me guessing right to the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will definitely be recommending it to others, and purchasing a print version for myself.
A brilliant 5/5 read.

Book Review: Sarah Emma Edmonds Was A Great Pretender by Carrie Jones

I'm reviewing something a little different today.
Aimed at children between the ages of 4-8 and written by New York Times bestselling author of the Young Adult NEED series Carrie Jones.

Sarah Emma Edmonds Was A Great Pretender by Carrie Jones 
Illustrated by Mark Oldroyd

"Sarah Emma Edmonds started pretending at a very early age. Her father only wanted sons, so Sarah pretended to be one. Unlike most kids, though, Sarah never really stopped pretending. In 1861, during the U.S. Civil War, Sarah pretended her way into the Union army, becoming a male nurse named Frank Thompson. Being a nurse didn’t quite satisfy “Frank,” though. She wanted to keep her fellow soldiers from getting hurt. So when the Union army needed a spy, she leapt at the chance. While still pretending to be Frank, Sarah also pretended to be a male African American slave, a female Irish peddler, and a female African American laundress. She slipped behind enemy lines time after time, spied on the Confederate army, and brought back valuable intelligence to the Union. Sarah was not only good at pretending; she was also very brave."

My Thoughts

I sat and read this with my 9 year old daughter and was pleasantly surprised by this beautifully written and lovingly illustrated book.
At first, I was a little taken back by the rawness of its descriptions, in particular, the fathers dislike of his daughter Sarah and thought that it might be a bit heavy handed.
Overall however, it is riveting, refreshing and carefully laid out for the younger reader. And the illustrations are beautiful in their simple realism.
My daughter thought that Sarah Emma Edmonds' story was fascinating and exciting, and another reason for her to seriously consider being a spy when she's older!!

A great retelling of a historical period of time, and an interesting look into the life of a strong willed and adventurous woman. (5/5)

The Feral Warriors by Pamela Palmer

I have had the first three books in this series sitting on my TBR pile for ages and finally got around to reading them in the last couple of weeks.

Man oh man, have I been missing out!!
They are fantastic.

Pamela Palmer is a genius!!

Right from the start Desire Untamed grabbed me by the scruff and dragged me into its fantastical world of magic, Daemons, gorgeous shape-shifters and ritualistic sex.
A world that although in our time and space, is somewhat hidden and unseen by humans unless you're unlucky (or lucky if you get one of the hunks!!) enough to be brought to its attention.
I couldn't put this book down from start to finish, it was the best 4 1/2 hours of my weekend. (5/5)

I thought that Obsession Untamed lacked some of the sexual zing that the first book had and I didn't feel the urgency that I did reading the first, but the story definitely didn't disappoint as a whole. (4/5)

And as with the first, Passion Untamed drags you into the action right from the start and assaults your senses with more rituals and magic and another sexy warrior and his soon to be conquered mate.
Full of twists and turns and great surprises, Pamela Palmer definitely delivers a great story. (5/5)

I cannot wait to get my hands on the next 2 books in this series Rapture Untamed and Hunger Untamed.
The sixth book Ecstasy Untamed is set to release November 29 2011


Eons ago, before the rise of human civilization, two immortal races battled the Daemons for control of the earth. The Mage, or magic ones, and the Therians, the mighty shape-shifters. Though traditional enemies, the Mage and Therians banded together to overcome the High Daemon, Satanan, ending his reign of terror and destroying his armies. The cost of victory was high. To win that ultimate battle, both races were forced to mortgage nearly all their power. Only one Therian among each of the ancient lines of shape-shifters was left with the power of his animal. Nine remain.
They are the Feral Warriors.............


 

Book Review: Night Is Darkest By Jayne Rylon

 

 *I hate spoilers in a review and therefore will only include the blurb for this book and refrain from giving away anything else for the benefit of those who may still have this on their TBR piles.*

 

 

Night Is Darkest

Jayne Rylon 
 
Some secrets refuse to stay hidden.
Lacey Daughtry’s perfect weekend is interrupted by tragic news of her brother’s murder in the line of duty. Plagued by a rash of mysterious phone calls, she turns to her brother’s best friends and fellow officers for protection…and comfort.
Spending time in close contact with Mason and Tyler, the two men she’s dreamed of since her first girlhood crush, seems like the answer to a prayer. Especially when they begin to explore the desire she’s harbored for so long.
But the partners are holding out on Lacey. Determined to suppress the most extreme facets of their lust, they agree to settle for sharing the woman they crave while concealing their desire for each other. Until Lacey cracks their resolve, unleashing a torrent of emotions that threatens to distract them when they can least afford it.
Their blossoming relationship is complicated by secrets. And the only way to evade the killer threatening their lives is to bare their souls in the darkest hours of the night. Or everything will come crashing down, just before the dawn.

---

Product Warnings

After reading this book you’ll never look at a pair of hot cops, a cemetery or a can of Spaghetti-O’s the same way again.

MY THOUGHTS

OH MY GOD.
This book has everything.
Emotionally strong characters, who are able to tap into their softer sides without coming off as whiny and weak, great suspenseful storyline, and bedroom action that is real and bold and although VERY HOT AND SPICY, is tastefully and lovingly written.

I cannot say enough about how thoroughly in love with this book I am.
As well as already ordering several more books by this author, I will definitely be re reading this one.

A very well deserved 5 out of 5.

At Samhain Publishing
Night Is Darkest (Men In Blue book 1) is available in print and ebook form here 

Razor's Edge (Men In Blue book 2) is available in ebook form here

I Was But I Wont

I was going to blog about the book I just finished, The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. 

But seeing as I loved it so much and have already started book 2 The Iron Daughter, I've decided to complete the series before reviewing it.

I will say however that the world the author has woven with her ridiculously gorgeous words is FAN-TAS-TIC.

I have read similarly themed books before that I've found to be flat and dull, and left me feeling nothing but disappointment, but right from the get go I was caught up in the story and didn't want to put the book down. 

I found The Iron Daughter to be fast paced, full of adventure, and sweetly dipped in shy romance.

I have high hopes for the remainder of the series and will definitely share my thoughts with you.

So I was wondering,

Do you wait to read a complete series? 

Or do you read them as they become available over a period of time?

   

Book Review: Spartan Heart Part 1 By Kristine Cheney

*I hate spoilers in a review and therefore will only include the blurb for this book and refrain from giving away anything else for the benefit of those who may still have this on their TBR piles.*

Spartan Heart Part 1
Kristine Cheney 

SPARTAN HEART: LOSING IT ALL PLACES YOU IN A POSITION TO GAIN EVERYTHING.  
TIME MEANS NOTHING WHEN THE ONE DESTINED TO LOVE YOUR HEART HAS WAITED CENTURIES 
 
Sent away to college in America, Evangeline swore she would never return to England. Anger loses its value when tragedy forces her home to assume ownership of the family's beloved Greco-Roman museum.
Placing a foolish, drunken kiss on a Greek statue in the museum's basement, Evangeline unknowingly frees a Spartan prince from an evil oracle's curse. Suddenly, her lonely life is invaded by the rakish man with knowing emerald green eyes who never eats or sleeps, and seems to know her every thought and feeling.

Falling in love is dangerous, especially when it's with a man who has already been claimed by the bitter oracle Demona. From the moment of her kiss, Evangeline is swept into Dorien's world of mystery, danger, and passion. The Oracle's fury only mounts as they unravel Demona's darkest secrets, but not before Demona finds out about their unborn half-breed immortal twins.

Demona uses her knowledge of the future to manipulate, but sometimes love has a will, and a heart...of its own.

MY THOUGHTS

I won an e-copy of this book on a facebook page run by the author Kristine Cheney. You can check it out here

I read the blurb for this book and truly fell in love with the storyline, that's the power of a great back cover I guess. 
The story itself was very nice. Well rounded, fully formed characters, that were full of emotion and back bone. 
I did find the story to be a little disjointed at the beginning and felt it lacked flow, but around the half way point it sorted itself out and I couldn't put it down. In fact by the time I got to the end I was yelling 'NO' at the computer screen!
I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!!
Spartan Heart Part 2 is scheduled for release on April 5 2011 and I for one will definitely be getting a copy.


So for me, a bumpy start but an awesome read nether-the-less
A healthy 4 out of 5





 

Book Review: Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh

*I hate spoilers in a review and therefore will only include the blurb for this book and refrain from giving away anything else for the benefit of those who may still have this on their TBR piles.*

Archangel's Consort
Nalini Singh

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.

The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…

MY THOUGHTS

The third book in the Guild Hunter series, Archangel's Consort was a very highly anticipated January release. I had this book pre ordered back in November and counted down the days, hungrily watching the letter box for its arrival.

Once it did however, I was really reluctant to read it. For some reason it sat on my bookshelf for over a month before I finally picked it up and started. And sadly its taken me almost a week to read it.

Now I generally will read a book in 1-2 days, but this was just so slow to start. You know that feeling when the laundry is mocking you from the sideboard or dining table because its been there for days and you still haven't put it away? Yeah, that's how I felt with this book. Dont get me wrong, I love the characters of Elena and Raphael.
Kick ass, independent heroine and gorgeous, protective, sexy Archangel, a great sizzling combination, but urgh, I just wasn't feeling it. Yes they had some great sex but for me the emotion fell short.
And just when I thought 'this is it, the actions going to start' it didn't. And I had that feeling more than once but it just didn't happen and I was left feeling a little cheated.

This book had the potential to blow the roof off the previous two, but ended up being a hollow shell of the others instead.

So............
Will I be put off reading the next book in this series? No.
Would I recommend this book to people? Yes, but I won't be raving about it.

So for me, a mediocre read, but still one of my favorite couples.
Only a 3.5 out of 5 

Short On Time

Yes, yes, I said I would blog about the books I have read but I've been short on reading time this week and haven't finished my book yet.

I'm currently reading Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh and while I love the characters it seems to be moving a little slow for me. I'm just over half way so the real action should start soon I'm sure. (No complaints on the bedroom action!!)

I'm really excited about a book I won today though and I'm SO going to read it next.
Spartan Heart Part 1 by Kristine Cheney
I read the blurb and was immediately intrigued by Evangeline and Dorien's love story. I've put it here for you to take a look at.

SPARTAN HEART: LOSING IT ALL PLACES YOU IN A POSITION TO GAIN EVERYTHING.  
TIME MEANS NOTHING WHEN THE ONE DESTINED TO LOVE YOUR HEART HAS WAITED CENTURIES 
 

Sent away to college in America, Evangeline swore she would never return to England. Anger loses its value when tragedy forces her home to assume ownership of the family's beloved Greco-Roman museum.
Placing a foolish, drunken kiss on a Greek statue in the museum's basement, Evangeline unknowingly frees a Spartan prince from an evil oracle's curse. Suddenly, her lonely life is invaded by the rakish man with knowing emerald green eyes who never eats or sleeps, and seems to know her every thought and feeling.

Falling in love is dangerous, especially when it's with a man who has already been claimed by the bitter oracle Demona. From the moment of her kiss, Evangeline is swept into Dorien's world of mystery, danger, and passion. The Oracle's fury only mounts as they unravel Demona's darkest secrets, but not before Demona finds out about their unborn half-breed immortal twins.

Demona uses her knowledge of the future to manipulate, but sometimes love has a will, and a heart...of its own.

Sounds great right? Check out the website here
So that's my reading plan for the rest of the week
What about you guys, reading any great books right now?

Getting Started

As I'm totally obsessed with reading and all of my immediate friends and family just don't understand my addiction, I've decided to blog about it.

Books, reading, the authors, the characters, the sexy storylines. The sexy leading men (or women) inparticular!

So if you have any ideas or comments---please feel free to let me know, dont be shy!!
I dont bite-much!