Review: Incubus by Jennifer Quintenz

Braedyn Murphy used to think nothing important ever happened in her sleepy town of Puerto Escondido. But that was before she learned she was a descendent of Lilith, the mother of all demons. Now Braedyn fights to protect humanity from the Lilitu - the beautiful, souls-stealing daughters of Lilith.

As she fights the Lilitu, Braedyn must also fight her growing love for her boyfriend Lucas - because even a simple kiss could end his life. Their only ray of hope is an angel’s offer to make Braedyn human, but it’s an offer she can’t accept until the world is safe from the Lilitu.

Braedyn knows she’s a key player in this ancient war... but she’s not ready to believe she just might be humanity’s best hope of surviving the final battle for Earth.

Despite thinking that Thrall was a bit meh, I really enjoyed Incubus,it was a definite improvement on the first book. Whereas Thrall set the scene, Incubus is where all the action and the mystery happens. I also started to really like the characters and the romance, which I didn't feel so keen on here. The best thing about this book was that it kept me guessing, since I thought Thrall was pretty predictable. We know the bad guy is an incubus, but we have no idea what powers an incubus could have and who it is, there are a few suspects though and I kind of guessed who it was, but I was still kept doubting and guessing from the start to the big reveal.

I really liked Braedyn in this book, she was head-strong and smart and I really felt sorry or her - she just couldn't catch a break! She was constantly being told not to do anything even though she was RAISED to do what she was doing then she does something wrong because she hasn't been told anything and she gets in more trouble. Lucas was more likable here, he has his jealous moments and his mean moments but his dedication to Braedyn is really obvious. I also like that this book happens nearly a year after the first book and their relationship has evolved. I liked that the couple were together but faced troubles, it made it more believable. I found myself actually rooting for the pair and I can't wait for them to be able to be together.

Something that stood out for me in this book was that the friends (Cassie and Royal) are still in it. In sequels, I sometimes find that some characters are completely forgotten about and even though Braedyn is too busy for them, this is explored and is actually the reason the antagonist is able to get to them. 

Despite the story being so much better, I did still feel that the whole plot itself wasn't anything too unique, it did it's job and set up for the next book and was well executed, but it just didn't do anything to make it stand-out.

Overall, Incubus was definitely better than Thrall but didn't do enough to make it amazing. I did like the relationships and characters more in this book though. I recommend fans of the typical paranormal romance books start this series, but not really anyone after anything too original.

Book released  21st June 2013 by Secret Tree Press

Book received from the author in exchange for an honest review 

Reviews for other books by this author:

Thrall (Daughters of Lilith #1)

Review: Unleashed by Jennifer Hartz

Six mismatched students at Deacon Proprietary are about to discover the demonic legend of their school's origin is actually true. Not only have they obtained amazing powers, but they've also unleashed the demonic Horde. Now it's up to these six high school freshmen to stop the Horde before its evil spreads throughout the school and beyond.

Before we talk about anything else, can we just look at that cover? Look at how it looks just like a comic book, which is what this book has the feel of - that book totally encompasses what this book is about and the general feel of it which is light, fun but full of awesome. I wouldn't advise anyone who is looking for a deep, dark superhero style book to read Unleashed however if you're looking for a lighthearted book and want superpowers, this is just for you. I personally just loved watching all of the characters learn about their powers and loved watching this group of unique people band together for a common cause.

This book follows six different characters who group together to use their newly acquired super-powers to battle a series of demons intent on killing them and stealing their powers. Whilst certain characters appealed to me more (I loved Shelly but thought Caitlyn needed more work) I think that each character was explored enough to become likable and even though it's a short book and the narration changes I managed to connect to most of the characters. Each character had their own back story to make them stand out and honestly I really can't fault the characters in this book. There is some romance, but you don't really see it happen aside from with Cooper and Shelly. Mike and Caitlyn become a couple and there is some jealousy however this all kind of appears out of nowhere, I really don't think this book needed romance though since the awesome superhero-ness of it all was enough for me.

Hartz is a good writer, but I think this book needed a little more editing, as some parts of the book just didn't sound right and there were a few typing and grammar errors in places. This doesn't really bother me, however some readers may find this a bit of a distraction at times, so be warned. I really did feel like Hartz's writing really fitted the tone of the book though, and each character had a unique feel to their pages. 

If I could find just one thing that kind of bothered me, it's that sometimes the characters seem older than fourteen to fifteen years old. I know that kids are growing up quicker these days and know all about the rules of intimacy, but when Jimmy is making out with his girlfriend and he talks about his top button being undone, it didn't seem like something I could see him doing.

Overall, Unleashed was a really fun yet action packed read and I just can't wait to read the rest of the Heroes of the Horde series.

Book released 21st May 2013 by Desert Breeze Publishing

Book received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Foretold by Jana Oliver

Stand by as Riley prepares to kick some serious demon butt for the last time in this thrilling, dramatic and sexy conclusion to The Demon Trappers series.

Riley’s always known that Beck had a chequered history, but she’s not prepared for what it actually means to be in love with a guy with this many dark secrets. Now that he’s finally admitted to himself that he’s in love with her too, there’s no more hiding the truth about his past. And as it turns out, fending off a demon apocalypse is nothing compared to what’s to come...

I can't believe it's over. One of my favorite book series ever and it's come to an end! We've had a rocky road, I loved book one, book two was great but book three seriously let me down. Thankfully, book four was just as amazing as I expected and possibly the best way this series could have ended. Thank you, Jana Oliver, for giving me the ending I wanted.

Finally... FINALLY!! Riley and Beck actually happen, for three books I was waiting for those two to get it on and finally it happens! This is one of the best YA romances in my opinion because they argue, they wind each other up but they are so loyal and there for each other! Even though at the end they became soppy and er... very intimate, I was still more than impressed by the way Jana Oliver kept them the same characters we've known throughout this series. *Sigh* I love Beck! He is the reason I love this series so much!

Though there were parts where the pace began to drop, this was mostly just a very well paced book! I was on my toes at so many points! The ending battle especially had me on the edge of my seat!  The ending didn't tie everything up in a bow exactly - Riley and Beck are on other sides of the world, Simon is going on his journey to find faith again and Hell still has a grudge with Riley, however everything is just as it should be, with just enough of an open ending to warrant a spin-off... *hint*

Overall, a fantastic ending to one of my most favoritest series EVER. Oliver has seriously outdone herself with this one. *Sob* I miss my Riley and Beck  already! *Sob*

Overall Rating: A

Book released August 2nd 2012 by Mamcmillan Childrens Books
Book received from publisher in exchange for an honest review *Thanks!*

Other books from this authors:
Forsaken (Demon Trappers #1)
Forbidden (Demon Trappers #2)
Forgiven (Demon Trappers #3)

Review: Riven by Sarah Bryant

Devastated by the death of her boyfriend, Lucas, Sophie moves in with her mother in Edinburgh, hoping to grieve quietly. But since meeting Lucas, nothing about Sophie's life has been quiet, and his death doesn't change this. If anything, life has become more complicated and confusing than ever. Her mother is determined that she get over him. A strange, compelling man seems to be stalking her. And she's begun to have visions she doesn't dare believe. Because, if she does, it means that Lucas isn't dead at all. Instead, he's entangled in a fate worse than death. And only she can save him.

---

Riven is the sequel to the amazing Bound, which I reviewed last month and absolutely loved. I really enjoyed Riven but it did seem as though it was written by a totally different person at times. What I loved about Bound was the tone set by the writing and setting and for me Riven lacked this a little, the weather in the last book was stormy and it set this really dark and ominous tone, the setting changes for Riven and this meant that the tone changed and for me the focus was on the story and character and not the writing.


I found it so much easier to get to grips with the characters because we already know Sophie, Ailsa and Lucas and I also got into the book quickly because I was already on the edge of my seat after the heartbreaking conclusion to Bound. At times, the pace dropped but for much of this book I was gripped, so pacing in this book was definitely better than the last book.


Riven draws in a lot of mythology, some which is used quite often in YA books and some which was original. What is unique about this series is that even though it's about fallen angels and battles for the balance of good and evil it isn't religious, it manages to use religious symbols in a completely non-preachy way and I love that about it.


I did feel that the ending of this book was a bit of a let down, we were building up for this massive confrontation with the bad guy and all we get is a harp playing competition... errr, a bit of an anti-climax for me and I was a little bit taken aback by the epilogue, it was cute but it took me while to understand what was going on. however on a whole this book was exciting and gripping and I am so excited to read the third in the series, which is released in 2013.


Overall Rating: A

---

Book released May 1st 2012 by Snow Books
Book received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Review: Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

I don't do dangerous. Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. 

Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me....

---

Ah, where do I start with this book? I guess I should start by saying that this book was one that I can't make my mind up about but I'll also admit that this is probably my own fault because I had to keep picking up and putting down this book in order to revise for exams and so my reading was fragmented and my mind was distracted even when I was reading... so much for escapism...


I actually really liked the premise of this book. Sure, it's got a similar vibe to most of the other angel/demon books out there but the addition of the 'Grays' adds a hint of originality to the mix and honestly I think that Rowen did her best to make this book live up to it's potential. Does she quite reach it? No, there were some things that she could have done to make it more engaging and exciting but it was a good read. I also really liked that this was pretty much a religion free zone, as very few angel/demon books are.


I was gripped right at the beginning of the book because Rowen doesn't spend ages introducing everything to us, we learn as we go along and overall the pacing was fantastic in this book because it is pretty consistent. I won't say it was 'edge-of-seat' reading but I didn't have to force myself to keep reading. 


The characters were my worse problem with this book. I just didn't like Sam, I don't think she was strong, or smart and every single character is calling special but I really didn't get what makes her so 'special'. Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike her, I just don't think she did much and she definitlely did nothing for me. I kind of liked Bishop, but once again there was more development needed on his character, I did like finding little bits of information about him out. The romance needed some work as well, uber insta-love... I despise it, it was cute when they did kiss but they'd only known each other for a few days. I liked the character of Kraven, he was snarky and attitudy and actually had a personality but I can see a love triangle coming in and I know which way it;s going to go.


Overall, Dark Kiss was an entertaining enough read that didn't keep me gripped but kept me interested. Everything was great apart from the characters which seriously lacked personalities.


Overall Rating: C

---

Released May 29th 2012 by Harlequin Teen
Book received as an eGalley from NetGalley

Review: Hollyweird by Terri Clark

Aly King is about to fall for the fallen.

My best friend, Des, and I totally freaked when we won the contest to meet THE Dakota Danvers in Hollywood. But now we’re finding out he’s SO not the angel everyone believes him to be. In fact, Dakota is the son of Satan, wreaking havoc on Hollywood and creating an evil army hellbent on world domination.

Lucky for us, Dakota’s super-cute personal assistant, Jameson, is a fallen angel trying to get his wings back, and he’s working undercover to squash his demon boss’s plan. If Jameson hadn’t taken me under his wing I’d be in serious trouble, because I’m a total newb when it comes to conquering evil. But, truth be told, that sexy angel’s got me all aflutter and may be one temptation I can’t resist.

---

You know when you've just finished a really dark and heavy book and you just need a little pick me up to get you back on your feet? Hollyweird was that book for me, it was happy and funny and very clean and bright. Sure, you've got the devil's son trying to suck the life out of wannabe stars but it was a very light read.


There wasn't too much substance to this book. Really all it is about is Des, Aly and Jameson trying to derail the evil Dakota's plans, no internal battles, no massively deep personal problems. there are a few points where things get a bit down but overall it's a pretty happy and funny book. The pacing wasn't fantastic but because it's such a short book it didn't seem like as big a problem.


There is some super cute romance in this book. Even though they've only known each other for a few days I still won't call it insta-love because it isn't obsession, it's just a cute little attraction. Clark doesn't really take the romance too seriously so when you hear them tell eachother that they love each otehr it doesn't come across as too fast because it's just a side note, not the main part of the book.


Overall, Hollyweird was a cute little pick me up that I can't say was fantastic but it definitely kept me entertained for an hour or two so I would recommend it to anybody that wants a nice light read inbetween more heavy offerings.


Overall Rating: B-

---

Released by Flux books on the 8th May 2012.
Book received as an eCopy for review from NetGalley.

Review: Forgiven (The Demon Trappers #3) by Jana Oliver

Riley has made a bargain with Heaven, and now they've come to collect. 

Lucifer's finest are ruling the streets and it seems that Armageddon might be even closer than Riley imagined. But with her soul and her heart in play it's all she can do to keep herself alive, let alone save the world. Riley's not afraid of kicking some major demon butt, but when it comes to a battle between Heaven and Hell, she might need a little help...

---

Oh Jana Oliver, why did you do this to me? If I enjoyed book one, and I loved book two, this was a bit of a disappointment for me and it's been one of my most waited for books this year.


I think I really struggled with the pacing with this book. There were some parts where I was just skim reading to get to something interesting which is a big sign that I'm really struggling, there were parts where I was gripped and then it just got boring again and the pacing was just anything but consistent.


I also felt that Riley lost a lot of her sass, I loved her before because she was so tough but the only times that came out in this one was with Beck. I get that she's been hurt by Simon and Ori, but her character really changed for the worse and I was not a fan, it improved by the end so hopefully she'll be back to my Riley in Foretold. Beck was the shining light in this book, I just adored him and his Taylor Swift obsession and pet rabbit, he's a softy inside of his hardnut, rough exterior. I also love the romance that started between Beck and Riley, the tension finally gets resolved and WOW I loved reading about that!


Overall, this was a bit of a disappointment since I thought so highly of books one and two, but I still will read book four just because I'd like more Riley and Beck.


Overall Rating: C-

---

To be released by Macmillan Children's UK on 1st March.
Book received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.
A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

---

Why I read It: No particular reason, I just saw it and liked the blurb.


Review: I've seen so many mixed reviews on the blogosphere for Angelfire and so didn't have great expectations for it, which is good because while I did like this book, it was only okay for me.


Firstly, I want to get the ranting out of the way. I hated the heroine of this book, my days, Ellie was so annoying! At first I thought she was pretty awesome and would break the age old cliche of stupid, whiny heroines but nope, she just carried on the trend. Firstly, she's rich, she has massive parties at her house and an expensive car bought for her, but is always moaning because her Daddy's a bit mean. She also let's Will protect her all the time, she's meant to be THE MOST POWERFUL BEING IN THE WORLD.


Will was sweet, yeah, but he was typical. Mysterious, mythical, tall dark and handsome, he also has a nice scottish accent. I liked Will but he didn't bring anything new to the story. I did like their romance, it developed at a nice pace and they still weren't together by the end which was really good.


The story was original, whilst  angels/demons theme wasn't the way that it was put was original. I really enjoyed the storyline and it's great development and pacing. The writing was good, despite a lot of brand dropping and despite all of the issues I did enjoy it.


Will I be getting the sequel? Yes, but it isn't a MUST READ, it's one that I'll add to the list.


Overall, Angelfire had a few character issues but a good plot line and pacing.


Overall Rating: C+

---

Stand alone/series: First in a series
Release date: 15th Febuary 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Book recieved via Read It, Swap It

Review: After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts, and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other for the first time, in a cold Maine town, they can’t stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel strongly that something, or someone, is haunting them. They’re wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it’s neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It’s Alan’s cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life—and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney, but everything around her….

---

I fell in love with this cover the first time I saw it, read the blurb which totally had me gagging to read it, but later made the connection that one of the authors, Carrie Jones was the same author that wrote the Need series, which I totally didn't connect with, so I had very mixed expectations about this one.


This book came as a total shock to me. It was totally original, fast paced, exciting and had just the right amount of totally cute romance to seal the deal. The plot was so unique, we see a lot of books about demons around, but mainly these have a demon main character, or the love interest as a demon, this one is dealing with demonic possession, which gives a pretty creepy vibe throughout this book. (Not overly creepy as in "can't sleep at night", creepy as in "I'm really absorbed into this book and the suspense is killing me!" which was perfect creep level for me).


The characters are amazing. I think maybe because they were written by different authors the voices were different, so you could really tell when Aimee was narrating and when Alan was. While both author character's voices were strong, I think that Wedel really did stand out to me, Alan's voice was so charismatic and instantly likeable whereas I thought that Aimee's voice was unique and likeable but I didn't warm to her as much as I did Alan. I loved the way their relationship developed though, slowly with attraction but not lust, it was cute romance, not a really passionate one.


I didn't have many issues with this book, my main issue was that I wish that we'd found out more about how the demon possessed Courtney, I think this would have covered any plot holes and completed the book for me.


Overall, After Obsession was a fast paced, chilling and thrilling read that has completely changed my opinion of Carrie Jones. I would also like to point out that Steven E. Wedel is definatley one to watch out for.


Overall Rating: A-

---

Stand Alone/Series: Stand Alone
UK release date: 5th September 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Book received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Review: Forbidden (The Demon Trappers) by Jana Oliver

Riley's beginning to think being a demon trapper isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her dad's been stolen by a necromancer, her boyfriend's gone all weird and she's getting warm and fuzzy feelings for someone who's seriously bad news. It's tempting to give it all up and try to be normal, but that's not an option. Because the demons have plans for Riley. And they're not the only ones.


Firstly, I have to say that Forsaken, the first book in this series, was one of those books that despite the flaws, I loved completely, so when I receive Forbidden in the post, I think I may have squeed. A lot. Then I worried a little, wondering whether this book would be one that I would be adding to my 'Sequels that suck' pile.


Nope, I'm so adding this to my 'Sequels That Totally Improve The Whole Series' pile. Forbidden had the same action and mystery that Forsaken did, a love story, some twists and turns and a fantastic final page, my verdict? Amazing. This book grabbed me the same way that Forsaken did and didn't release me until I reached that very last page, in fact, it got me so absorbed that I was reading it at work...


One of the flaws that I found in the first book was the love triangle, this is cleared up by the end of this book, leaving only one likely candidate for Riley, (which makes me very happy, especially considering who it was). In Forsaken, I was so Team Simon, my allegiance shifted to Beck throughout this one, which meant that there were numerous times when I wanted to slap him across the face and call him a total idiot, Simon... oh my! He just turned totally psycho and Ori... well I never did trust him. I do like the way the relationships changed throughout Forbidden it made me like it a lot more.


Riley, as always, is the perfect protagonist. Feisty and strong-willed, she makes some pretty stupid decisions but I understood them, at times I felt that she got a little angsty and whiney, but this isn't often. I didn't support a lot of her actions but when they backfired I really felt sympathy for her.


My biggest issue with Forbidden is that, because the book is similar to other books in the same genre (I'm going to mention Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda in particularaly), I expected some of the twists and turns, so the climactic, enlightening part near the end wasn't a big surprise to me, and this meant that it wasn't as exciting as it should have been for me.   


Overall, Forbidden was a great addition to the series, with all the action, romance and mystery as Forsaken plus some. I am so excited to read the next book in the series and commend Oliver on her amazing storytelling and ability to absorb me in such a fantastic story.

Overall rating: A

Stand alone/series: Second in the series. Preceded by Forsaken (review here)

UK Release: August 5th 2011

Publisher: Panmacmillan

Book obtained via: Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review  

Review: Misfit by Jon Skovron

Jael has always felt like a freak. She’s never kissed a boy, she never knew her mom, and her dad’s always been superstrict—but that’s probably because her mom was a demon, which makes Jael half demon and most definitely not a normal sophomore girl. On her sixteenth birthday, a mysterious present unlocks her family’s dangerous history and Jael’s untapped potential. What was merely an embarrassing secret before becomes a terrifying reality. Jael must learn to master her demon side in order to take on a vindictive Duke of Hell while also dealing with a twisted priest, best-friend drama, and a spacey blond skater boy who may have hidden depths.


When I started Misfit, I had no idea what I was getting into. I had guessed, from the blurb, that it would have religious tones and I have a love/hate relationship with 'religious' books. As somebody who is not fantastically religious (this coming from the girl that's dating the son of a Reverend...) I sometimes feel uncomfortable reading really religious preachy books. So it was with much trepidation that I opened up the (e)book and plunged in.


Thankfully, there isn't too much religion in this book, more it's a mix of theism, philosophy and mythology (gosh, that does sound deep for me), without the really *in your face* religion. I totally loved how Skovron brings together these legends with these historical and mythological characters and throws a totally unique twist on the mix. While most young adult books in the same genre area are about angels, or fallen angels being the good guys and devils and demons being the bad guys, this book mixes it up and just makes the demons the bad guys and the good guys. I'll explain: Jael, our main character, is a good guy and she is half demon, her uncle is a demon and while he's a bit of a sly character, he's a good guy. Belial is a demon overlord sort of dude and he is, obviously, a bad guy. The way they're all against Jael because she is a halfbreed seems like racism, which impressed me - whether he intended to or not, Skovron definitely put moral issues in there as well.


Now the characters, I'm not sure on. I thought that Jael was very stupid at times and while it can sort of be understood, that made me like her less. On the other hand, when she needed to be, she was pretty kick ass, which I liked. I did, however, totally adore Rob, the totally human and equally adorable love interest. Now I know I say this about any semi-cute or semi-hot boy in YA literature, but Rob just made me melt! I love how the romance was so there but never in the way of the main storyline. 
I also totally loved Jael's uncle, who seems very sly but adds some comic relief to what could have been a very dark book.


The story flits between present tense and past tense which I knew from some reviews put a lot of readers off. While I agree that it was disconcerting to start with, I got used to it very fast and I can't see how anybody could be put off by such a little issue, otherwise the narrative flowed very well, Skovron's writing wasn't groundbreaking but was definitely good, he got into the mind of a sixteen year old girl so well!


Misfit had some amazing pacing, while there were a few moments where it slowed down a little, most of the time it was a very exciting read, the climax was also fantastic and everything was wrapped up perfectly at the end! I did figure out some of the story quite early on (Britt's boyfriend is all I'll say), which annoyed me a teeny bit, but I will let it slide! 
I would definitely recommend this book to anybody, but I would point out that if you enjoyed the Billi SanGreal books by Sarwat Chadda, you are bound to love Misfit!


Overall Misfit was an original take on the Demon trend that seems to be creeping up in YA lit these days. With a kickass heroine, a cute skater boy and a scary bad guy straight from the depths of Hell, this book is definitely one that you should check out!

Overall rating: A-

Stand alone/series: First in a series (I think) 

UK Release: August 1st 2011

Publisher: Amulet Books

Book obtained via: Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review