A group of three books cover images that I like the most from the titles to be released in the current month. Usually I already pre-ordered the titles or own them. I named the section like I did because I like thinking about these covers like they are something that its meant to look.

*Eye Candy: visual images that are pleasant to see.

A few impressions on a previously read book. I named the section like I did because as a passionate reader I like to use representation titles or words that I see in my favorite books.

*Glimpse: brief review on X title.

Favorite Quote

” I can’t.  I want this to be forever.”

Page: 417

What I Liked

I think it was really cool that the story was taking place in “Hell”.   My favorite aspect of this sequel, other than it has more action, were all the subplots.  I like how Bethany’s siblings were looking how to save her from hell and all the things playing a part in this plot.  I really liked how Molly shows she is a really good friend.  Also her dilemma with Gabriel is the part that really stood out in this sequel.  I think I’m ready for a Gabriel spinoff.   I LOVED the end scene of Bethany and Xavier, it was very lovely and tender.  I can’t wait for the third book in The Halo Series.

What I Didn’t Like

I didn’t enjoy the “Hell” concept in general.  I think the vision was too “girly” even for me.   Also I wanted more of Xavier in the story.

Book Type: Softcover
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: July 19, 2011

Book Trailer:

Page: 6

He smiled smugly, his fingers still lightly holding the blue curtain. His expression was a world away from the pained one she remembered the last time he looked at her.  “Hmm, I expected a warmer greeting,” he said, pulling the curtain back the remainder of the way. He walked purposefully to the window sill and sat down sideways, raising one booted foot to rest his elbow casually on his knee.  Candra watched him gazing out across the city in a protracted si­lence, not sure what reaction she should be having to this almost-stranger. Looking away wasn’t an option. He was beautiful in a masculine way. His features were angular yet still fine, and he had the long, lean body of an athlete, broad shoulders and back that tapered to narrow hips. The fabric of his long-sleeved t-shirt hugged the shape of his sculpted upper arms. His ruffled hair was the color of sand on a Caribbean beach, reflecting golden strands where the sun streamed in through the window.  Finally, he turned and cocked an eyebrow over one of his brown eyes, as if challenging her to say something.

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Book Type: Softcover
Publisher: Lands Atlantic Publishing
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: May 21, 2011

Book Trailer:

Page: 141

“I would do the same,” he whispered.

His hand reached out for me and caressed my face.

“That, Teagan, is the unfortunate fate of us both.”

A few impressions on a previously read book. I named the section like I did because as a passionate reader I like to use representation titles or words that I see in my favorite books.

*Glimpse: brief review on X title.

Favorite Quote

This is where your story begins; … “With me, in this place.”

Page: 3

What I Liked

The theme of the story; I believe that the element of two parallels worlds is fascinating.  I really liked one of the love interests; Luca. His simplicity and shyness drew me into his character.  I also loved how the character’s lives are connected together.

What I Didn’t Like

The execution of the romance; I didn’t liked the main character: Jane going from one guy to the other at the end because of this I felt flat her decision and without deepness.

Another “angel” is in town.   Clara Gardner is a nephilim’s (half angel – half human) daughter.  Each one of these hybrids has a destiny to fulfill on Earth known as a “purpose”.  When Clara receives her purpose, which is presented through the dream of a boy her same age, her mom, her brother and herself decide to move looking for the boy in that vision.  This new place will not only introduce her vision’s boy, Christian Tucker, but also the boy who will steal her heart; it’s in Tucker Avery where duty and love collide.  I liked the story in general, but I was expecting MUCH more. The book’s angelology is practically inexistent; something I believe should be developed into the story’s theme.  A book about angels, nephilims, battles between good and evil without angelology is like Harry Potter without magic.  Romance in the story is adorable and funny.  The dynamics on how the relationship flows makes the reader want to know what’s going to happen, if there’s something to happen between them and the most beautiful thing is that they had the opportunity to really know each other.  It wasn’t love on first sight, which is my favorite thing about the story.  Some of the secondary characters like Angela and Wendy inspire empathy.  However, I noticed several Hermoine Granger traces in Angela.  Christian Precott as a “love interest”, if you want to call it that way, is kind of tasteless and as a character does not have the grace of developing to a required level in the story.  The thing I liked least is that the story’s theme, the purpose, is never revealed with clarity, which makes it worse because this suppose to be the book’s story line.  In my opinion, Clara and Christian figured that in that purpose they should be a couple.  This makes me think … Where is it written? … Why?   Apparently, there’s no type of detail in their visions revealing how they reached so “brilliant” conclusion.  The ending shows a glimpse of other stories developing simultaneously, which is a good element.  Unearthly, the story of a nephilim girl searching for her earthly purpose where she found love and friends, but mostly torn between her heart and calling.

 

To my understanding as an educator, History class was GREAT, the dynamics are real and the concept it was driven by is enjoyable. I loved it since it was one of the techniques I like to use.

A group of three books cover images that I like the most from the titles to be released in the current month. Usually I already pre-ordered the titles or own them. I named the section like I did because I like thinking about these covers like they are something that its meant to look.

*Eye Candy: visual images that are pleasant to see.

A group of three books cover images that I like the most from the titles to be released in the current month. Usually I already pre-ordered the titles or own them. I named the section like I did because I like thinking about these covers like they are something that its meant to look.

*Eye Candy: visual images that are pleasant to see.

Book Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Macmillan
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: August 31, 2010

Author Web Page:

Is love a great enough power against evil?

Three angels are sent down to bring good to the world: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. But she is the most human, and when she is romantically drawn to a mortal boy, the angels fear she will not be strong enough to save anyone especially herself from the dark forces.

Angels have been slowly invading Young Literature and this new presentation by: Alexandra Adornetto proves they’re here to stay.  Halo narrates the story of three angel “siblings” who are sent to earth in order to accomplish a peace and restauration mission at a certain territory.  The story’s centered in Bethany’s character, which, from the three of them, feels completely invaded by human emotions.  Her mission and purpose will be seen affected when she gets to know Xavier.  Regardless her resistance and confusion, Bethany ends up pouring her heart to Xavier.  I loved this story and it certainly marks a difference between novels on the same line since this one’s narrated from an immortal and powerful point of view.  Angelology is simple, it rounds up a general idea of what many could imagine as Heaven, Hell in a battle between good and evil.    Romance is tender and sweet, but what I liked the most is that Xavier’s not the typical love interest who has NEVER loved. On the contrary, there was somebody in his life before and this fact does not fade the love he has for Bethany, but only means he didn’t loved her first.  Bethany’s siblings, Ivy and Gabriel, play an interesting secondary role and in my humble opinion Gabriell’s the most interesting.  This angel was so interesting that he kept me through the whole story asking to myself if there’s something beyond his story other than the mere fact of being an angel forged out of stone.  The antagonist character is a bit obvious, but does not take anything from the story and its fixation for Bethany will create expectations with this presentation and the next one on the series.  Certainly Adornetto has done an exceptional work by establishing a base for a series that promotes the  simplicity and the elegance this story is narrated  is addictive for the reader.  Halo, the story of an angel and her love for a mortal where between good and evil will face the most challenging task; humanity.

Book Type: Softcover
Publisher: N/A
Age Range: Young Adult
Publication Date: Spring 2010

Author Web Page:

When seventeen year old Jane Taylor witnessed her father’s death, something happened to her.  Ever since, her thoughts have been consumed by death, going so far as to foresee the ever changing deaths of those around her.

Sixteen year old Emily Taylor resented her sister’s closeness with their father, who died when she was six.  With the strange ability to read minds, she drowns the voices out with drugs, sending Jane over the edge.

When seventeen year old Wes Green was adopted, he moved in next door to Jane, finding in her a childhood friend turned high school crush.  All summer, the pain in his bones seemed unwarranted.  He was done growing long ago. When senior year starts, however, the pain only gets worse. The foreseen changes are not expected, and far too animal for his taste.

When Max Gordon found himself standing above the dying body of an innocent seven year old girl, he saw in her eyes something he hadn’t seen in the century he’d spent roaming Earth. Her father was already dead, but there was hope to save her. Jane was her name, and already she was all he ever wanted.  It was his job to bring her back, and it was his job to protect her   the biggest mistake of his life.

When these four teens enter Glenwood High their senior year, no one but Max could understand the future ahead of them.  Drawn together by blood and friendship, they each hide a dark secret that will soon bind them together.

Max has to protect Jane, Jane wants to be normal, Wes wants Jane to love him, and Emily just wants the voices to stop … But their fate just wants them dead.

If by any chance you ever had your doubts against self published books, Knight Angels Book of Love will make you forget them. Knight Angels narrates the story of: Jane, Emily, Wes, Max, Greg, Erik and Sarah. This circle of friends and family is bound by supernatural forces and the secrets among them. The chapters are narrated in different POVs where each character’s “voice” shines for their singularity and contrast. Even though the Angel Theme has been recently explored in young literature, Knight Angels breaks the stereotype not only on narration format, but also in the story’s structural format that results a little bit darker than what’s being considered commercial at such moment. What’s interesting about the story is that it is composed by a supernatural world where human characters are key pieces in the story. Angelology in the story is not that complex, but more conventional. However, regarding the mystery where the forces of heaven, earth and hell collapse, it’s certainly elaborated. Abra Ebner is an author not afraid to explore taboo topics like drugs, sexuality, hate, among others and I consider this respectable. It’s worth pointing that her storytelling skills are excellent. Story’s romances are certainly different and maybe one of them a little controversial. Knight Angel Book of Love is the first chapter of a promising series where as a reader you’ll be able to look with different eyes self published material and where the supernatural world is not only inhabited by angels or demons, but much more … and way beyond.”