Book Review: Feast by Merrie Destefano

Title: Feast (Harvest of Dreams #1)

Author: Merrie Destefano

Release Date: June 28th 2011

Publisher: Harper Voyager 

Source: Won an autographed copy from the author

Madeline MacFadden ("Mad Mac" to fans of her bestselling magical stories) spent blissful childhood summers in Ticonderoga Falls. And this is where she wants to be now that her adult life is falling apart. The dense surrounding forest holds many memories, some joyous, some tantalizingly only half-remembered. And she's always believed there was something living in these wooded hills.

But Maddie doesn't remember the dark parts -- and knows nothing of the mountain legend that holds the area's terrified residents captive. She has no recollection of Ash, the strange and magnificent creature who once saved her life as a child, even though it is the destiny of his kind to prey upon humanity. And soon it will be the Harvest. . . the time to feast.

Once again Maddie's dreams -- and her soul -- are in grave danger. But magic runs deep during Harvest. Even a spinner of enchanted tales has wondrous powers of her own

My Thoughts

This book was on my wishlist for a long time and although I was able to get access to a copy via NetGalley I waited for the autographed copy that I won to arrive instead.

I finally managed to read it this week after having a catch up on some other reading commitments. 

And it was so worth the wait.

I LOVED this book.

This story used a cornucopia of elements including dark traditional folk tales, good old scary campfire stories, urban legend, fairytale, and a little subtle romance.

It very much reminded me of what I would call traditional paranormal suspense not unlike classics such as Pet Cemetery and It by Stephen King.

Although so many different P.O.V would normally do my head in, Ms Destefano has written it in such a way that I was eager to read the differing sides of the story rather than lamenting it.

I really wanted to climb into the book with Madeline and Ash, Elspeth and Jake. And Tucker and Samwise will just melt your heart. I cant wait to read more of this series.

Expertly written, interesting characters, mysterious Dark-lings, Feast is a must read for everyone. 

5 Stars ~<;]

Book Review: A Demon Made Me Do It (Demonblood Series #1) by Penelope King

Title: A Demon Made Me Do It (Demonblood Series #1)
Author: Penelope King
Released: June 15th 2011 
Publisher: Ascension Press
Source: Received from the author for an honest review.

Some girls share clothes, a bathroom, or a bedroom. Seventeen-year-old Liora Greyson has to share, too. Only she shares her body--with a demon.

Liora just wants to survive her final year of high school unscathed, her dark secret intact. But the walls she’s carefully constructed to keep people away crack wide open once she meets the sexy and mysterious Kieron, and he lights her world on fire. She can’t let him know she transforms into Justice demon named Lucky at nightfall—a demon with an entirely separate personality who passes out Torment, Justice, and Revenge like Halloween candy.

Turns out Kieron is the one who should be afraid once Lucky discovers his true identity and motivations. Liora wants to love him, but Lucky thinks he’s public enemy number one. And having a demon with a vendetta show up during a romantic date puts a serious crimp in any relationship.

Fighting your demons is one thing. Having one that fights back, messes with your guy, and leaves you with nasty hangovers is quite another.

Being bad has never been so good....

My Thoughts


With so many YA books out there in the same genre its always refreshing and fun to find a story that has a twist unlike any other. 
And I really liked the split personality/joint entity twist in this story.

It was interesting, exciting, witty, and a really fresh take on Demons.
It was nice to see them portrayed as something other than just bad tempered, evil 'things' that need to be destroyed, although that element is in there too.

My only grumble would be that some of the chapters would end and move on to something else before I'd had my fill, leaving me wanting more.

And I do want more, much more!!
I loved Liora/Lucky, and her best friend Bones is so adorable I'm crushing *swoon*


I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in this series to she where all these great characters will go from here. 4 Stars ;]