Variant Series (Reckoning): Book 4 Review

Jena Leigh newest book is out! It is the fourth book in the series, and the wait for it did not disappoint. If possible, it is even better story. The title is called Reckoning, and it is another perfect title. 

The story takes place back from the past, but keeps roughly the same characters in play, but with a few new friends, namely Brandt. The man whom “tortured” Alex (although it was Sam Masterson wearing Carson Brandt’s face) is now newly minted on the team. While he was in the other books, this one you really get to know him better. You may even change your mind about him, a bit. Declan has now changed, and Alex has more issues than you might have thought possible. She is strong though, and that has never changed through any of the books; though she has grown into her own skin a bit better, so her troubles will only do so much. 

This time, fresh from the past, the Grayson co and friends are in a new home, along with some new faces, and old trying to keep Alex safe, and to keep the world from ending. A familiar “villain” will come into play, and you’ll get a bit of backstory with her as well. Trouble will be had, and time will tell the outcome. It ended on a cliffhanger, but a fantastic twist I did not see coming one bit, and a really extra sad part that I was almost in tears. Great writing on Jena’s part.

If you liked the other books, I recommend this one. If you have not read the others, I suggest you start. I do warn you: you will be addicted to these characters. Once the series end I’ll be sad to see them all go, but I’m excited to see how it will all end, in the end. I just hope it’s not incredibly soon. 

I still see the same characters. One problem though is the actor Brian is all grown up and looks way different. So would need to re-think him if this was made into a movie or series (which I’d be down to watch)...just saying. Netflix. Jena. 

I was going to add in a few new characters, but decided not to for the moment, because in honest, it is hard for me to pinpoint the right actors. 

Simone Snaith: Interview

Simone Snaith has a lot of books written and they are wonderful (I have written reviews on them all: Faireville Woods Series, The Indigo Stone, and Into the Drawing).

All of the books can be found at Amazon and I recommend buying them if you have not already. 

**I was really happy and excited that Ms. Snaith had taken me up on answering a few questions for the blog. They are wonderful responses, and I want to thank her for taking time out to do so. 

You have written a few books, one being a companion series (From the Ashes and Through the Eyes: Faireville Woods) and the rest standalones. Which are your favorites to do; series or one book a piece?

I prefer both writing and reading stand-alone books, most of the time. I like the idea of leaving the reader to imagine his/her own version of what else might happen in that particular fictional world. And I like having that freedom myself after finishing reading a book. There are some exceptions though; I eagerly read all of A Song of Ice and Fire and the Harry Potter books.

If I recall, there is not many/if any love triangles in your books. Do you hate them/love them or consider them unnecessary?

I absolutely hate love triangles! I think they are widely overused as a plot device and also, they’re not even very realistic. I’ve never been in love with two people at the same time, and neither has any of my close friends or family members...

Do you have a favorite book that you wrote?

I think my favorite is “The Indigo Stone.” I love a good, fish-out-of-water adventure story with a romantic subplot, and I feel like I achieved that with that novel. “In The Drawing” is the most personal, however; Genevieve is loosely based on a younger version of myself.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? What made you love that character?

It might be a tie between Eine from “The Indigo Stone” - because she is a tough survivor, but in a matter-of-fact, unshowy way – and Lundy from “From The Ashes,” for her kind heart, and her love of books and music.

How did you come up with the idea for your books? 

They often spring from images that pop up in my head, or just scraps of ideas. “From The Ashes” was a very old story idea of mine, but one of the first images I had was of Harlan in Lundy’s window. I had a dream about the spinning contraption that Eine is strapped into by Indigo, and “In The Drawing” definitely started out as just the idea of vines growing over a building overnight.

Can you give us a hint to what we should be expecting in your next book?

“Between The Water & The Woods” is scheduled to be published by Holiday House in the spring! It’s a YA Fantasy that involves monsters, magic, and machines. 😉

Where do you like to write?

I usually write at my desk at home, but I also write on my Kindle Fire when I’m out and about.

Do you decide character traits before you sit down to write the book, or as you go along?

There are usually some that I know beforehand, but others that develop as I go. That’s one of the exciting parts for me.

If you could give a young writer any tip, what would it be?

Keep going until you finish the first draft, and THEN go back and edit. Don’t keep stopping and second-guessing things. A lot of the writers I know have trouble finishing even that first draft.

If you weren’t writing, what would you want to be doing for a living? What are some of your other passions in life?

My other passion is music, so I would be focusing more on that if I wasn’t also a writer. I currently sing and write songs in a band that plays locally in L.A.

What do you love about being an indie author?

I love the fact that many indie publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts! While literary agents are obviously amazing, they are also gatekeepers, in a sense. If you can’t find one who is excited about your current book, then you’re stuck, because the major publishers will only accept submissions through them. With my self-published books, I liked having control over the book cover and design, and also receiving the sales notifications directly in my inbox. 

What is the oddest thing you’ve found yourself researching for your books (if any)?

The most recent (unpublished) novel that I wrote is about a girl whose parents work in the space program, and who starts dreaming that aliens are contacting her. So I went on a tour of the Jet Propulsion Lab here in L.A., read about the Cassini spacecraft and Mars Rover online, and talked to a family friend who works for NASA! I had to figure out how my main character and her friend could do something technically minor that would alter her parents’ spacecraft mission.

Any tidbits you wish to share for inspiring or other indie authors?

If you truly love writing, then keep pursuing it forever and ever. There are many routes to publishing now and you can keep trying them all.

Which would you pick- (fame, money, happiness, or easy inspiration)?

Happiness, which would give me plenty of inspiration!

How many drafts from first to final?

For myself, usually only 2 or 3, but their have already been more than that for “Between The Water & The Woods.” I’m still in the editing stage with Holiday House.

Do you fit any author stereotypes (Cat owner? Coffee/tea Addict? Messy handwriting? Recluse? Late night writer? OCD spelling/grammer (i.e. hate others who don’t use it properly or even yourself)?

Haha, I fit all of those except for “recluse” and “late night writer!” I prefer to write in the morning, although I certainly don’t get up early, and I do like to get out often. I have a 21-year-old cat who is my true love, and I’m definitely a coffee addict and spelling/grammer Nazi. My handwriting only gets worse as I get older...

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Probably when people are unjustifiably rude. I work in retail, so I see this often, unfortunately. I’m a stickler for basic manners.

What is one thing you love and could not live without?

Rock ‘n roll. <3

Those answers are wonderful, amazing and the tidbits for writers is a must read! Always helpful to add insight for others. I love the NASA information and I bet it was really cool to do. Manners are a must for me as well, sad to think we are losing some of that. I don't know about you readers, but I'm going to be checking out Ms. Snaith's music now and reviewing it up. Love that she writes music as well!

In The Drawing (Review)

So I have been MIA for a while now, no excuses. The only thing I’d say is that life took over that did not allow me to write as I once loved to do. While I don’t see me as 100% back, I did however finish a book that I wanted to write about. 

When I heard that Simone Snaith was writing and putting another book out, as soon as I could snatch it; I did. Purchased it right then and there and promised a review. I read it, it took me a bit longer to get through than her others, and then even longer to get my butt in a chair to write this up. 

While it was way different than her other pieces of work that she has done (write up here and here), it was by no means not a fantastic piece of work. I loved seeing Simone’s heart and soul being poured into this one, with the same amount of eloquence her other books possess. This one, while still fantasy oriented and a bit of romance thrown in, it struck a different chord; it made you truly think and feel.

The story is about a young, introverted girl named Genevieve, whom never felt quite right in her own skin. Her best friend, Claudia, and adoptive parents try to help her the best way they can (and a few others). What I love about this story is that sometimes others do not help, which rings true in most cases. While those people help, and the hunky, and lovable cop Elliot does not hurt her; it inevitably comes down to her. There is something incredibly inspiring about becoming who you are meant to be without being pushed, pulled and prodded to be something you are not. She is accepted for her nature, and not thrown to be happy always; she is who she is. Of course there are some mystical elements to her that truly help her realize everything about her, but the Easter Eggs along the way truly make this book worth reading. The Doctor Who mention, albeit brief, was awesome too. 

My Character Take: 

This is not all the characters by any means, but I thought a few would be cool to put up. What do you think?

Once Upon a Time Season 5b

Once Upon a Time or fondly called OUAT is back after its hiatus. Season 5 has seen a lot, and I am not surprised to see that it has reached a season 5; I am still fixed and I am beyond excited that there will be a season 6! I am not 100% sold on all the writers do, but I have always loved fairy-tales and the twists are so much fun to join in on. I think one of my favorite things to do is fantasize about different plot twists and see if they fit. Usually my far out ones do not, but I do go with two: one twist that I could see them doing and one that is so far beyond the realm of possibilities it could lead to a crazy epic twist.

*************

We are finally on to Season 5b and the first half portrayed a darker Emma and everyone trying to save her for once since she's become pretty good at saving everyone else. Although to be fair she has help saving everyone so it never is always just her: Henry and Regina being the top two, with an occasional help from her family and Rumple. I digress...season 5a focused on Emma being dark, but as much as I really think Jennifer Morrison's acting skills are out of the park; I felt a darkness lacking a bit. I'm thinking it was because she was not full on darkness, since she was one-half of a pair. I'm not sure how Killian did not realize he was the second, he was so good until he found out. I'm still confused by that.

****************

Season 5b has them traveling to the Underworld to save Hook: Regina and Robin Hood, Snow and Charming (anyone else find it annoying they all call Snow, Mary Margaret?), Emma and Henry, and Rumple (but not out of the goodness of his heart). So far there has been some pretty gut wrenching starts and some surprising twists: Regina has now been the savior twice (she broke her second curse and saved Emma), and looks to be going for a triple.  Regina seeing both her Mother and Father and gaining some sort of closure with both; at least her Father was a huge closure, and for all she's been through she deserves that (even if she was the one who put him their). I am uncertain why little Henry had to be their, but I'm assuming for a bit more dramatic affect. "Henry meet Henry" it's almost saying: see I did love you with all my heart. Although that was already clear when she ripped out his heart for revenge, but you know. Seeing Neal again, if only for a brief moment was beautiful. Emma and Neal's chemistry has always been amazing, but I just wished for him to see Henry too. A family moment would have been extra bonus. He warned her not to go to the Underworld (like she was going to jump off the boat once they landed and swim back: okay she could have told the boat to turn around), but of course she is going to: and he should have known that. She has always been brave and stubborn. It's not in her nature to give up, even if emotionally she flees. Seeing Hook even for a moment, must have strengthened that resolve. Peter Pan showing up (why isn't he old?) to see his dear son and act like he wants to start over. I can't wait to see what comes next for the rest of season 5b!

********************

With that said, I have some theories on that:

1. What if Hades planted that memory to get Emma to turn back and not save Hook? He did say he would do anything to not lose a single soul. He already lost Henry thanks to Regina and Cora.

2. Peter Pan has not changed, and will possibly take-over Rumple (if he can) soul or he is going to force Rumple to choose and he'll choose Emma or Henry. Although Emma is supposed to be so powerful that nobody can rip out her heart and supposedly was the "best" dark one due to her magical abilities. (I believe she is the most powerful if she ever got the chance to truly be 100% dark and 100% taught to use her abilities: she gave up). Henry because he'll still see him as a threat now that he is the dark one again.

3. Everyone will join together to free everyone from the Underworld, but more than one will be revived and not actually move on from limbo. I'm not sure how or why.

4. Emma won't be able to split her heart to give to Hook because she is all-powerful which makes her heart extra attached? Not sure if that makes sense.

*Any other theories? Or anything to add?

AKA Jessica Jones Review

So I just finished binge watching all episodes, yes all (over the course of 3 days and breaks in-between, but still). I really enjoyed it, and I really enjoyed all the actors I saw within the show as well. Rachel Taylor is amazing at playing the best friend Trish, I especially loved the nod to the comics by her holding up the superhero costume. Krysten Ritter is of course, as always, phenomenal; her portrayal of Jessica was very believable as a snarky, drunk, that deep down wants to help people. David Tennent is another amazing actor, this time showing his chops as the villain, Killgrave (Purple man). Even if he’ll always have a place in my heart as the good doctor. 

Another reason it was so good? Besides the little nods to the comic, it was all its own, and although it showed; it showed in the best way. I wanted it to continue, although, was hoping for a bit of change (please bear with me): I wanted Killgrave to be good, well, end up good. David Tennent truly did a fabulous job portraying a villain that one would hate; he tortured Jessica and countless others, but his back story makes you (well me) that he can be redeemed. Even if villains don’t get happy endings. I still think it would have been interesting to see Jessica help in. After everything that he had done, to show that people can change. I also truly believe he wanted love, Jessica’s love. I think Jessica was looking for redemption, but also love. 

Could she get that love from Luke? Perhaps, yes. There were obstacles, but nothing they could not overcome, and he obviously cared for her. Jessica had more than she realized she had in the way of friends and people who cared; she just does not think she deserves it. 

Maybe I just watch to much OUAT and think everybody deserves a second chance, albeit with a watchful eye. Killgrave would have way too much to atone for, if it went that way. 

What do you think?

P.S. Little Jessica actress you were fantastic!

Variant Series Book #3: Review

 

Jena Leigh has done it again with her third book in the Variant Series aptly titled Redux. If you love sci-fi/fantasy then this book has it all. Powers (check), time travel (check), strong characters (check), villains (yep). Your emotions will fluctuate and you'll enjoy the ride the book weaves. 

The story takes place in the past, but keeps roughly the same characters in play as the first two books (haven't read them? check book #1 and #2 out), but with a twist: only two are from the future. Alex is desperate to change the past and make a better future for her friends and family. Declan is determined to not let Alex do it alone. The problem? The jump did not go as planned. So while trying to fix the past, Alex is desperate to find Declan too. Throughout the book there are difficult choices to be made, new friends to be had, and revelations that will throw you in a scramble hoping that all survivor this new/past adventure. Will everything change or will it be as it was supposed to be all along?

You’ll feel it all. The hope, the struggle, the possibility of loss; but ultimately you’ll see fate at its finest in this tale of the past the will most likely lead to book number four. And you will hope for a redux and that the book does not end.

 

I hope you enjoy my old and slightly new version (second) to the newest book.

The Indigo Stone

Simone Snaith, as I have stated before is an amazing writing (check out her books). So when I heard about her next installment I knew I had to read it. It did not disappoint in the least.

(buy the book here)

The Indigo Stone is about a young girl named Eine who is orphaned and alone for most of her seventeen years living on the streets in a city where it almost never stops raining. She has never ventured far from her little home under a cart that was filled with garbage (picking it knowing others would not try to take it), unless to steal food from shops around town. She was not extravagant in her thieving only taking what she needed, which was heartbreaking in itself. All that changed when she met a boy that she named "Noname" for he would not tell her his actual name - although some called him "Ney". From then on she was whisked away from her life and into another learning all she could from her companions (Ney traveled with a friend Anda). She was smart and knew things (memories) from her past, but that still did not stop her from being confused about the outside world often. A quick study, and a heart of gold made her two companions treat her fairly. They both cared for her very much, although it took some convincing to let her go with them out of her original city. There journey through the pages is a great big fun puzzle that you have to figure out with every twist and turn that comes the "heroes" way.

If you like paranormal fantasy's then I think you'll like this one. Filled with powers, relate-able characters, and a beautiful world detailed well by the author. You root for the good guys, and if you are like me, you'll enjoy watching Eine become the person she is suppose to with room to grow.

My first choice was Robin Williams for Anda (R.I.P.), and I know Noname is suppose to be 20 with no scruff on his face, but that is easily fixed.

OUAT (Once Upon a Time)

                            

(photo found via google search: not up to date)

Grimm mixed with Disney? Yes please. This show has become my greatest obsession since it aired (along with a few other lovely shows). There are so many reasons I am drawn to this show (the costumes; both fantasy land and “real world”, the wit, the drama, the fantasy…), but to me it is a really inspiring show on so many levels. I also truly love how it's not just a Grimm/Disney hybrid; it is it's own show that uses it's own spin on the stories we have known via either outlet (or both).

It makes you have characters you love, ones you hate and then by a switch you are loving the ones you hated. That is good writing!!

The quotes! How many great quotes are there? A TON.

I do not know about you, but once OUAT comes back my writing seems to sky rocket. I love love when inspiration bamboozles you and kicks your butt into high gear even if the content is not the same as your own.

So thank you OUAT for continuing to bring out the little girl in me, the writer in me, and to have an hour to lose myself in the fantasy of your world.

I cannot wait to see what next season holds!! Ah summer breaks seem so long. Maybe it'll be re-watch via Netflix. And than more writing for me.

Who's your favorite characters?

Talent Spotlight: Jena Leigh

The Variant series is about a young girl named Alex Parker who has special powers along with a few others called “variants”.

(to buy click here and here)

********The author is Jena Leigh and I was lucky enough to get to send her a few questions based on both her, her book (and the rest of the series), as well as gain a few writing tidbits. I love the fun and honest answers that have been given. Thank you Jena for your quick responses! Check her out here. And you can follow her on tumblr too! Also make sure you check out both her books out now!

of Jena Leigh

Revival (the first in the Variant series) is about special people with amazing powers. The setting is mostly set in a cabin. Is there a special place you based this off of?

 I can only dream of one day discovering a home here in the real world that resembles the Grayson cabin! The design of their house in the Adirondacks was basically an amalgam of my parents’ home in North Carolina, a vacation cabin I once stayed in many years ago, and every multi-million dollar cabin I’ve seen on TV over the years.

There are the beginnings of a love triangle happening between Alex and the two boys she meets. Do you already know who (if either of them!) she ends up with, or are you just seeing what happens as it does?

I’d like to think that I know, but with a muse like mine you never can tell! She likes to keep things interesting and only rarely sticks to the original outline. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens!

Speaking of love triangles; how do you feel about them (i.e. Do you think every story needs them)?

Oh, good question! I’m a bit torn on love triangles. I wouldn’t say that every story needs them, but I’m not opposed to them, either. A well-written love triangle can really make for an excellent story, both as a main focus for a novel as well as a supporting thread—but only so long as it works for the story you’re telling. As a writer, if you’re just throwing in a love triangle because you think it’s what your readers will want, you might want take a moment to consider what it’s really adding to your story. I think a big part of the recent backlash against love triangles stems from the fact that, so often, they’re been thrown into a plot unnecessarily.

Will we learn more about Alex’s family and more about herself throughout the series? Or are you leaving it open ended?

We will definitely be learning more about Alex and her family as the series progresses!  Much of what’s happening to Alex now is a result of the things that happened to Alex and her parents (and to the rest of John Grayson’s original team members) many years earlier. Those past events will be brought to light in later books.

How many books do you have planned on for the series to be complete? Or is it infinite and you’ll take it book by book?

 Right now, I’m planning for four books to complete the series, but it’s definitely going to depend on how books three and four turn out. Lately, I’ve also been working on a collection of short stories revolving around the Variant Series characters. With any luck, it will be ready to publish soon!

What do you love about being an indie author?

One of my favorite things about being an indie author is the fantastic online community for indie writers. Everyone is wonderfully supportive of each other and there are so many fantastic resources out there to help authors with creating and promoting their work!

What is the oddest thing you’ve found yourself researching for your books (if any)?

Oh, geez. The list of odd (and oddly incriminating) things I’ve googled while writing is practically endless! How best to get away with murder, the technical specs of a non-nuclear EMP, the effects of ketamine on a human body when it’s being used as a tranquilizer…  I’m pretty sure that if the NSA is tracking my search history, then I’m almost definitely on some sort of watch list.

Tell us a little bit about your next book.

In Resistance, book two in the Variant series (due out February 11th, 2014), the stakes are raised even higher for Alex and the gang. As Alex struggles to get a grip on her newfound powers, she’s faced with a far more daunting assignment—survive the last few months of her junior year without accidentally losing control and leveling Bay View High.

But the risk of outing herself and the Variant population at large would be a lot easier to handle if the Agency wasn’t still breathing down her neck… and if Declan weren’t quite so distracting in his newfound role as Alex’s bodyguard.  As sparks of all kinds start flying, Alex is left struggling to keep her head above water and her heart in one piece. And when her freedom lands itself in the Agency’s crosshairs, Alex will be faced with the fight of her life.

Any tidbits you wish to share for inspiring or other indie authors?

Without a doubt, the most important piece of advice I can give to anyone getting into this business is don’t forget to have fun! Because too often, and all too easily, the business side of self-publishing can make you forget why you got into this in the first place—your love of writing. Don’t get so wrapped up in marketing and promotions that you allow yourself to lose your desire to create. Find ways to make it fun and stay inspired, so that writing remains something you love to do, and not just another day job.

Quick Q&A

Which would you pick- fame, money, happiness, or easy inspiration?

Happiness, definitely! 

How many drafts from first to final?

I often edit while I’m writing, so sometimes it’s tough to gauge. Also, each book is a bit different. Revival took three drafts, Resistance was four (due to some pretty major rewrites)—here’s hoping book three is a little easier to get on the page!

Do you fit any author stereotypes (Cat owner? Coffee/tea Addict? Messy handwriting? Recluse? Late night writer? OCD spelling/grammer (i.e. hate others who don’t use it properly or even yourself)?

I’m addicted to both coffee and tea, a borderline recluse when I’m neck-deep in a project, I’m OCD about my own spelling and grammar (but am rarely bothered by the grammar of others), and I write best around eleven PM. So, basically, I’m a walking stereotype! Just need to get myself a cat.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People that talk/answer their cell phones in the middle of a movie at the theater.

What is one thing you love and could not live without?

Think I’ll cheat a bit and say that it’s a tie between music and books… The two loves of my life! Give me a great book and an amazing album and I’m one very happy girl!

(Variant Series) Resistance: My Review

(Click to buy)

The Variant Series book #2 is here! After a long wait to see what happens to Alex and the gang, it is here. How exciting for readers and the author alike! Jena Leigh CONGRATULATIONS on book #2. I was beyond excited to read this (so you know book 1 was great!) and it did not disappoint. 

Alex is still on her journey to find out more of both her past and what the future holds. She is also very determined to beat all odds of fate and what others have planned for her. In the end she gives in slightly, but continues to stick to her morals and do things her way. Cassie continues to be the most amazing best friend that you would wish to have. While you'll root for Alex's romance with a certain boy (not going to give it away, but if you read this first book you'll have a good idea); I also had the secret hopes of another (my heart broke for him, while wanting to scream at him all in one breath). I am still torn (but that is what the semi-love triangle does) between which couple should truly be together due to the loves bring out different sides of Alex; both great. They also both love her, but in different ways making it that much harder to really choose (IMHO). The triangle is not truly explored, so it's not obnoxious and maybe it's because of the first book that you really know, but it's there. 

While not only rooting for Alex, you're rooting for them all to win and prevail against all odds. They do. Mostly. It's not overly dramatic, and although it is a fantasy novel, it also oozes reality in slivers. You can (or I could and I doubt I'd be the only one!) notice little bits of "that could be written about me." moments throughout the book. I think that makes this book a gem and a great read in and of itself. Besides that, we get to delve more into all the characters, and get introduced to some great new ones. 

Love. Drama. Supernatural. Perseverance. 

*Another quick read and if you have not read the first one, getting both will make sure you are not itching for number 2 already. I cannot say the same for book 3 (haha). I'll just have to wait patiently. 

(Fairville Woods Series) Into the Ashes & Through the Eyes

 

(click to buy)

Book #1: Besides being a fantasy junkie, I also love "olden times" based books. What I truly love about From the Ashes is that both characters were born in another time (early 1900's), yet it takes place much later than that. Olden times with a modern day twist! It also consists of romance, supernatural, and curses. From the moment you start reading you want to see what happens to Lundy, a beautiful young girl that is possibly dying. This is not just her story, but the captivating Harlan's as well. You root for them every step of the way in hopes of a happy ending. Simone Snaith does not disappoint with her twists and turns, and beautifully written words. Without giving too much away, the story guides you on a special journey the two take together not just for love, but for Lundy. Soul mates if it ever existed would be these two, and it is shown from the first moment they meet. It is not just a love story though, it is about overcoming destiny and making it up as one goes along. Just wait until you get to the ending, and the great thing is you do not have to wait for the second in the series!

First off: Congratulations to author, Simone Snaith for finishing and getting the sequel out. 

Book #2: Through the Eyes is the thrilling sequel to From the Ashes and it is filled with all the greatness of the first, but continued further. Simone Snaith has really taken the time to nurture the series and remain true to the first book. Although the curse has changed, which changes one of the characters slightly (enough to tell even from the beginning), it does not differ from the hopes one might have for Lundy and Harlan to get their happy ending. If anything, it makes you convinced they will, but with all the twists within you get the elusive feeling it may not end as well as you thought. I also loved how new characters are added, which makes it a bit more realistic, and lends to the new content fairly well. The ending wrap up of the book was fantastic, and although I wished for a few things to be different; it was a great ending. 

Vampires. Ghosts. Curses. True Love. = A recipe for greatness. 

*Another wonderful read that you do not want to put down and you definitely do not want to end. It will suck you in and possibly keep you an insomniac due to not wanting to put the book down and dreaming of a love like there's. 

 

OR

 

Harlan has not changed (although he'd need a wig) for my pick for the actor, but for the actress I'm torn between the two of these.

(Variant Series) Revival: My Thoughts

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Fantasy novelists and readers unite! Do I have a fantastic book for you. It is called Revival (Variant Series book #1) and it about a young girl (junior in HS) who's life gets a bit complicated after her emotions (and unsuspecting powers) cause her to fry an entire computer lab. The life she had turned upside by this one act caused by watching her boyfriend KISS another girl in front of her (who wouldn't have an angry and sad moment?). All her life Alexandra Parker was normal (as normal as one can be; good grades, good boyfriend, great friends) and it was perfect, well almost perfect (having your parents die in a car accident when you are little and forced to move towns and go live with your free-spirited aunt makes it impossible to have a perfect life). Enemies, a stalker, a best friend caught in the mix, and new friends create a very wild ride in the life of one Alexandra Parker. Follow her journey as she learns to navigate her newly minted life, the truth of who she is and what really happened to her family (and others). I guarentee you'll root for Alex and friends (and her possible love life), and curse the enemies that makes you want to join forces to help stop the enemies all along wishing the book never had to end. Although the book is wrapped up rather nicely, there is still a bit of a cliffhanger (to lead into the next book, I am sure).

Love. Supernatural powers. Drama. Girl Empowerment. = AWESOME

A MUST READ FOR ANY fantasy, ya adult, love story with a twist FAN.

**Another great tidbit? I read this book in a 2 day span and is perfect on a kindle for a quick read on vacation (or during the trip to get there). There is also wonderful paperback versions (I prefer to feel the book, but kindles are amazingly versatile!)

I am also one of those individuals that really picture the characters and create my own fantasy cast (I am sure I am not the only one!): 

How did I do? Read the book and let me know what YOU thought! 

Leaving you with one more thought (because I am a fantasy/supernatural junkie): If you awoke with super powers, what would you want them to be?