Awake at Dawn by C.C. Hunter Review

Awake at Dawn

Author: C.C. Hunter

ISBN: 0312624689 (ISBN13: 9780312624682)

Release Date:  October 11th 2011
Format : Paperback
Pages: 383

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Urban Fantasy,
Paranormal, Supernatural

Series: Shadow Falls #2

 

Summary

Now that she’s settled in at Shadow Falls Camp, Kylie Galen’s determined to discover the extent of her supernatural abilities.  But with a ghost insisting someone Kylie loves is about die, a rogue vampire on a murdering rampage, and her sixth sense telling her someone is watching her, Kylie’s quest for answers is quickly put on hold. 

To make matters worse, just when she’s about to give her heart to Derek, a half-fairy, he starts pulling away.  When Lucas, a werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past, returns, Kylie’s feels more conflicted than ever. Her weekend with her mom should have been the just the break Kylie needs, but it turns out to be her breaking point.  Someone from the dark side of the supernatural world has plans for Kylie--and it'll take all her resources to get back to Shadow Falls alive...

My Thoughts on the Book
I can the Second book is just as good as the first book, all the same characters you love from the first book are in this book. It's interesting to see how they grow more in this book, I fell in love all over again by reading this book.

Kylie is still confused on what she is, she keeps finding new things happening to her. When she figures she's one type of supernatural something changes and she thinks she's a different type. This confusion causes her relationship with Derek to suffer according to her. Though she also has issues with the fact that other supernaturals mostly Vampires can sense their attraction towards one another. Also her ability to talk to ghosts or to understand them took a full book till she figured out what was wrong, though everyone reading the book knew who the ghost wanted Kylie to save. Derek wants to be with Kylie so bad and it doesn't help that his gift to read emotions is amplified when it comes to Kylie. So when she feels anything concerning Lucas. So knowing that she always feels something for Lucas hurts Derek and he tries to be strong but its to much at times. Not to mention that Kylie has been either avoiding him or doesn't give him the time of day. You also learn that Derek has a few more abilities in this book. Lucas doesn't appear till later on in the book and it causes a larger rift between Derek and Kylie causing them to just ignore each other. You learn why Lucas left the camp in the first book and you learn that he doesn't mind to wait for Kylie he just wants to be beside her. Della is still the same short temper and always arguing with Miranda over everything. Her parents still don't trust her on not being on drugs which I can't understand how parents can think like that even though she proves it to them always. Della soon becomes self doubting herself when she felt like she lost control during her transition from human to vampire. She didn't know if she killed anyone during that time or not so that frighten her but her friends helped her deal. Miranda is still dealing with her dyslexia, though she is getting use to her magic. She is also getting closer to the day she has to take that test and she's stressing over it. 

There is a bit more Romance in this book then the last one, Derek and Kylie get closer for a while but then everything is put on pause. Kylie started to ignore Derek because of everything that's happening to her which hurts Derek. When Kylie tries to fix it Derek doesn't want anything to do with her because Derek can feel everything she feels and everything that has to do when Lucas is around. With Lucas and Kylie it's also complicated because Kylie likes Derek but also likes Lucas. So she tells them if they can be just friends even though they acted more like friends in the dream walking but Lucas doesn't mind and can wait. 


The plot was great, with her talking to a new ghost trying to figure out what it wants was great. Though it took a while before it dawn on Kylie who the ghost was talking about it worked out well in the end. Then there is the fact that she has two boys she's interested in but doesn't know which to pick. Also she doesn't know who she is and as you read the book you think she is one thing but then something else happens and you think she's something else. I just don't think it could have been anymore better, though I would have wished for some more romance.

Design

The design of this cover is great! not to mention if you hold the paperback copy in your hand you can see how shiny it is. I love the photographs used and how the put the waterfall into the cover. It connects to the book very well, because she does go to the waterfalls this time. The same font is used on this cover as it was on the first book cover. I think it's a good think that they have some connection in the series. And the placement of the author's name is perfect under the title. Everything about this book cover is lovely and I can't wait to get the third book to talk about that lovely cover too.




Overall
This was a great sequel and I highly recommend this series if you like the supernatural fantasy type novel. It has all your favorite Supernatural creatures put into one book. Not to mention it takes place at Camp!! So go buy the first book right away!!!

Rating

5 out of 5 Howling Wolves

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter Review!

Born at Midnight

Author: C.C. Hunter

ISBN: 0312624670 (ISBN13: 9780312624675)

Release Date:  March 29th 2011
Format : Paperback
Pages: 398

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Urban Fantasy,
Paranormal, Supernatural

Series: Shadow Falls #1

Summary
Don’t miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams,  Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever.  Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.”  Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either.  Or does she?  They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason.  As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas.  Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past.  Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart. 

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

My Thoughts on Book
I have to say I felt so embarrassed in when I started to laugh on the bus during a scene then when I was in the subway I started to cry. This book to make me feel to different emotions was written so very well. I loved it so damn much to make me feel like this. Not to mention that I love how there was many species of monsters in this book not just Vampires or werewolves. There was even shapeshifters in it!!! who can't love being able to turn into any animal you want if your good at it.

Each character in this book was so unique and so very cool that even if they were side characters I loved them too. Kylie is a good girl just having a hard time with her parents getting a divorce , which I'm sure is hard on all kids. She gets caught at a party that had drugs but she didn't take anything but still ended up going to a camp said to help Juvenile delinquents. So not only does she not belong there her parents don't care and still ship her off. She's confused at first at this new place but slowly she started to fit in and make friends even. Even when she isn't sure of herself throughout the book on who she is, she learns to accept herself as on of the supernaturals. While there she goes attracted to Derek but her attention is also on the wolf Lucas. She doesn't know who she loves and it confuses her throughout the book. Derek is half Fea and he's like Kylie trying to hide who he really is not wanting anything to do with it. He also had a sad past because of his father leaving him which is also contributing to why he didn't want the gifts he got. Lucas wasn't shown much in this book but there was interaction between him and Kylie and you do know that they knew each other when they were kids. I hope in the next book you learn more of him. Della is a vampire and only wants to be accepted by both Kylie and Miranda but it's hard when you have to drink blood and the others don't. Though slowly the three of them grow closer together and Della is one of Kylie's best friends. Miranda is a witch who struggles with her magic. She becomes Kylie's friend and her, Kylie and Della talk about everything together and soon with the help of Kylie she learns to become better with her magic.

As for the relationships in this book it's kind of slow. Yes Kylie feels something for both Lucas and Derek it's hard for her to admit it after what happen with her ex boyfriend Tray. After having him break up with her because she wouldn't put out she felt heart broken and doesn't help matters when she see some similarities in Derek and him like how they look somewhat. Though you do see some kissing which you would wish for more by the end of the book I only hope there is more in the next volume.

As for the plot I loved it, with Kylie trying to learn what she is and how to deal with her issues in life makes for a good plot.  As well as a good lead in with the characters and their life and the bad guys of the series. It should be interesting to read the rest of the series I can't wait to start book Two!

Design

I find the purple used in this cover very lovely, everything about the book cover is pretty. I love the tree split in two because it is also int he book so there is a connection.The Title font is also pretty and the light magenta color fits well and stands out. Not to mention that the authors name being at the top doesn't take away from the over all look and feel of the book cover. I love the design so very much the designer did well here.





Overall
I love this book and I would recommend this book to everyone who likes supernatural creatures.

Rating
5 out of 5 Howling Wolves

In honor of 'The Crescent's re-release with new edits, Jordan Deen is giving away a Kindle Fire!!!

To Enter Click Here

The end of Youth Manga Review

Author: Narise Konohara
Artist: Narise Konohara

Genra: Yaoi

Year: 2008

Original Publisher:

Souryusha 

Volumes: 

1 Volume (Complete)

 Licensed (in English)

No
English Publisher

Summary
There're many reasons 28 year old performer Tagashira Shinichi wants to die but mostly he just stopped caring about life. Then he bumps into Yuu, a former classmate and friend. When Yuu pushes Shinichi to see his little brother again things get more complicated. Can Shinichi find something to live for?

My Thoughts on the Manga
This Manga is a mixure of love and annoyence, it's a love hate feeling for this manga. You love it because the plot is great and you get good flash backs but then you hate it because of how depress Tagashira Sinichi is and how selfish he is. I'm glad it turn out fine for the couple in the end but the lead up was so annoying and I started to hate Tagashira more and more as I read this manga.

Tagashira Shinichi is the most annoying manga character I have read in a long while. He acts like he doesn't care about none of his friends at all which may be true because since his friends couldn't get into the music industry he goes behind their backs and goes into the music industry. He makes one hit then goes down hill after that. Not just that Yuu who looked up to him in high school was completely used and soon ignored and left behind when Shinichi goes into the music industry. It was just to annoying and I couldn't see the perspective from the characters point of view at all. I'm surprised that Yuu took him in and still loved him after what Shinichi did to him.

I'm so surprised that there was even a type of Romance in this book. Then again Shinichi had to sleep with someone just to get jobs but that didn't get him any where so it was pointless. I think Yuu was crazy to take Shinichi back but then if you love someone it's hard to stop loving them.

The plot was okay not the best I've read so far but it's alright, I did like the flash backs those were interesting. I kind of wished there was a bit more to the story to tell what happen after Shinichi gave up on everything to be with Yuu but then it's all up to the author.

Design

The drawings in this book isn't all that bad actually I liked the way the characters were drawn. Though two of the characters I had a tough time telling apart because they were so similar. They were brothers maybe that's why but it would have been better if the author at least made the younger of the two look great a bit young or a bit more different. Besides that the the characters were drawn semi alright and they do have a bit of detail in the face and hair.








Overall
It was an alright manga not the best I've read but not the worse either, I don't really recommend it either.

Rating
2 out of 5 Howling Wolves

Caged Moon by Rachel Deagan Review

Caged Moon

Author: Rachel Deagan

ISBN: 1468194992 (ISBN13: 9781468194999)

Release Date:   January 18, 2012
Format : Paperback
Pages: 253

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal,
Werewolves

Summary
Haunted by an animal attack, seventeen year old Charlotte feels she is being followed. When she runs into a mysterious boy while camping, she’s afraid. Nothing seems right about him. Despite trying to stay away, there is an unmistakable draw to be near him. Even his scent smells familiar. But the closer she gets, the faster the secrets begin to unravel. Not only is he not human, he may have a link to her past. When Charlotte finds out someone wants her dead, she is torn between love and fear. Can she trust him to keep her safe?

My Thoughts on the Book
All I have to really say is wow, just wow I loved every moment of this book. Though I did find it went a bit to fast at the end of the book and how Liam/Aiden acted like a stalker kinda creep me other but besides that it was great. The hotness of werewolves! you can't help but drool at how they act and how the change into werewolf form (I'm a werewolf fanatic sorry!!). The way the author describe them in wolves is so amazing the sound just so beautiful. Though I did wonder what happen to that puppy at the beginning of the story it kind of disappeared. . .

Charlotte's past made up for how she acted in the present day. If it wasn't for that wolf attack she probably wouldn't have been so exciting as a character. With her past included it made her relationship with Liam a lot harder. Though she does learn to over come her fears to get to know Liam and the rest of the pack. She ever gets brave enough to not really mind being around them as wolves. As for Liam he's kind of scary with how much he starts to stalk her but besides that I like him as a character. He protective and loves to goof off with his pack mates. Not to mention he's really relax and cares so much for Charlotte though they just met. Then there is the pack mates each has their own personalities which works well in their pack. It's just so great to see the interactions and I also kind of feel sorry for the youngest cause he's always being picked on. 


As for the Romance I have to say it all came to fast and I don't think normal relationships move that fast. They just met and the attraction and wanting to be together is all there. Then again with him being a werewolf it kind of has to be like that. Though I do find the relationship between to too right and sexy all at the same time because of the chemistry between them. 


The plot was great, from what happen in the past with her being attacked by a wolf to the future where she thinks she's being followed by wolves. The meeting with Liam was also inventive and great I loved the interaction between the two during the first meeting. Then you learn about Liam and his past as well as the rest of the pack members it was all great and you will really love the plot line to this story. What I found disappointing though was that the story moved to fast, it felt like the ending of the book was rushed. I didn't think there was any point to rushing the ending the author could have token her time and made the story a bit longer so it didn't seem rushed.

Design

The cover is just so plain it's kind of annoying. I love werewolf books but this is just to annoying to look at. I wish for something a lot more interesting maybe even a person on a cover with a wolf or maybe a silhouette of a wolf and a girl. Having just a wolf there with a moon/sky background is just not very eye catching. It makes me feel like I should redesign the book instead. The title of the book isn't all that bad I don't mind the grudge feel of the type and the author's name is fine underneath the word.





Overall
I love this story, though again I wish there was more to it then just this. Otherwise I do recommend this book and I'm sure you will love this book as well if you like werewolf stories.

Rating
4 out of 5 Howling Wolves

In My Mailbox [12]

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren where you can learn about all the awesome new books I've picked up this week!

 Woot it's my first post of In my Mailbox! I'm so excited to show you what I got this week, which believe me is a lot. I get lots of books each week, I do hope I can read fast enough so I don't get a major pile up haha!


Here are the list of books I've receive in the last week with a link to their goodreads page:

Bought:

Signed Copy of "The Calling" Personally signed by Kelley Armstrong to me I'm just so excited that I got to go to the signing and got to meet and take a picture with Kelley Armstrong which i will post soon!

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter

Won:

Across the Galaxy by Heather Hildenbrand

Free:

Enchantment by Charlotte Abel

Tell me about your IMM I would love to see it!!

Konbini-kun Manga Review

Author: Junko
Artist: Junko

Genra: Yaoi

Year: 2010

Original Publisher:

Tokuma Shoten

Volumes: 

1 Volume (Complete)

 Licensed (in English)

No
English Publisher

Summary
To break away from his existence as a NEET and staying at home all day, Endou Hiroshi starts work at a convenience store. There he meets an arrogant and rude co-worker, Yamai Kouhei, whom he just can’t get along with. However, after seeing a different side of Yamai and getting to know him more, Endou’s impression of him starts to change for the better. But, just as things seem to be going fine for Endou and his return to society, his past comes back to trouble him.

My Thoughts On Manga
It was so heart wrenching and sad I cried a few times in this manga. It just got to me to much and it was just to sad, I felt so connected to the character Endou Hiroshi that I couldn't believe it. It was cute and sweet all put together in a great manga.

Endou Hiroshi is a really shy boy and doesn't is scared to say what he wants. You always wonder why he quit school and it wasn't till sometime in the middle of reading the book do you realize why and want to cry. To see how cruel those boys acted towards him makes you wish you could hug him to make him feel better. To see how much he struggles to be who he is and try not to make what his old school mates say effect him so much was brave of him and I adore him for that. Then comes Yamai and everything turns out well. He doesn't care what those boys say about Endou he stare care for him and would do anything to make the boy feel better. He even falls in love with the boy in the end that's how great of a person he is. Though it's sad to see Endou struggle with his feelings for Yamai thinking the boy would hate him if he confessed but Yamai makes him confess and it all turns out right in the end.

The Romance was slow but sweet I enjoyed every moment of it. It was slow because of the build up between the two main characters. Endou hid his feelings from Yamai and wouldn't say his true feelings until Yamai confess first. It was just so cute and the romance blossom from that.

The plot line to this manga is so sad but so lovely as well. To see how boys reacted when they learn someone has a crush on them who is a boy and started to be mean is just hurtful. I love how Yamai deals with them and how he makes Endou trust in him. I highly reccomend this book if you ever come across it.

Design





Yamai is the blond hair boy and Endou is the black haired boy. They are both different in both personalty's and looks. They are great characters and your drawn to them right away even though Yamai is a bit rough around the edges you can't help but love him either way because of how he treats Endou. Though I don't really like the faces the author took her time in doing gradients in the background of each panel. If you don't like the style of drawing then don't look at just that judge it by the story line!







Overall
I do recommend this book for reading if you love a sad story and just want to cry. Don't forget it is a yaoi story but the plot is so well done you won't really care.

Rating
5 out of 5 Howling Wolves