Review: The Ups And Downs of Being Dead by Marsha Cornelius

Title: The Ups And Downs of Being Dead by Marsha Cornelius

Publisher: Self

Release Date: May 26th, 2012

Genres: Science Fiction, Action, Drama

Medium: Paperback, Received for Review via author

Overall, it was fantastic and I cannot stop singing the praises of Marsha Cornelius. The novel was fun, emotional, exciting and fresh. It was one of the most unique novels I have ever read. I've read science fiction before, usually about aliens or something unbelievable like that, and I never once expected that I would be reading a novel about cryogenic technologies. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it!

The writing and characters were spot-on as usual. Her writing was quick-witted, emotional, and suspenseful. I literally flew through the first 3/4 of the novel, then slowed down at the end because I didn't want the story to be over! It was that addicting. The ending was one I definitely did not expect and one that thoroughly satisfied my hunger for a fresh new novel!

This concept, while not completely new and unique, has been taken in a completely original direction by Marsha Cornelius. If you are wanting a fresh new novel with something that you've never experienced before, then this is definitely the story for you.

The Secret Diamond Sisters turns 1 year old today!

I think it is a unique and hilarious coincidence that The Secret Diamond Sisters' novel shares the same birthday as my father. We are currently wishing him a happy birthday and celebrating!

I just found out that yet another birthday occurs on this day, and that is The Secret Diamond Sisters novel! Now I have yet another reason to celebrate. 

You can celebrate too! Go over to your favorite local book store, book retailer chain, or your favorite online shopping website and pick up a copy of The Secret Diamond Sisters and celebrate another great book birthday!!

Review: Take Me On by Katie McGarry

Title: Take Me On by Katie McGarry

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: May 27th, 2014

Genres: Drama, Action, Romance

Medium: Hardcover, Purchased

What can I say? Katie McGarry has knocked it out of the park once again. She manages to bring impeccable reality to young adult fiction. There is so many 'happily-ever-after' stories out there; tales of unbelievable proportions that display teenage romance in unrealistic situations. It may be the happy ending readers secretly crave, but what good is it if it isn't realistic? Katie McGarry takes care of this situation. She crafts dramatic, steamy, and above all, realistic romance, and does it effortlessly. She really seems to understand that real romance isn't perfect; perfection is untainable. Katie McGarry understands this better than anyone, and pleases us all with her broken love stories that restore my faith in true love.

Her writing is on point, as usual. I honestly envy her writing abilities so much. She writes with the fluidity that most seasoned writers lack. Besides how natural she writes, she also harness the ability to connect with readers on such a deep and emotional level. She chooses subjects that most people would have difficulty writing about, or are simply too scared to try. She brings several important topics to light, and encourages people to embrace their uniqueness and fall in love with another's diversity.

Overall, this is yet another prime example that Katie McGarry is a force to be reckoned with. This novel is yet another witty, dramatic, and steamy installment in one of my favorite series. I recommend you pick it up as well, as it likely will become a favorite of yours too. 

Review: H10N1 by M.R. Cornelius

Title: H10N1 by M. R. Cornelius

Publisher: Self

Release Date: April 12th, 2011

Genres: Action, Horror, Romance, Drama

Medium: Paperback, Received for Review

Once again, Marsha Cornelius has blown me away with her writing. Her novels never cease to astound me. This novel is an emotionally gripping tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic wasteland devastated by disease, featuring two of the most addicting characters I have ever experienced.

The plot was perfect. As a die-hard fan of shows like The Walking Dead and Helix, post-apocalyptic themes are my favorite. I was really excited about reading this one, and I definitely was not disappointed! It lived up to every expectation I had, and entertained me so much, I simply flew through the pages. It's fast-paced, packed with unexpected plot twists, and full of humor, romance, and action that will all take your breath away. There were several instances where my jaw was literally on the floor.

The writing was also spot-on, as usual. I have come to expect nothing less than perfection from Marsha Cornelius! Her writing is so consistent and so descriptive. She is quite skilled at mixing several different elements into one concise story. She effortlessly crafts a novel with conflicting personalities, steamy romance, laugh-out-loud humor, and edge of your seat action. This exciting mix makes for incredible writing and some of the most original characters ever. This, added to the already eye catching and original plot, makes for an novel of epic proportions. No other writer, nor novel, can compare. Marsha Cornelius writes on a level few others can reach.

Overall, I was impressed beyond words. I enjoyed ever page of the story and didn't want it to end. This novel is one that will stick with me indefinitely and one I recommend to all readers. If the plot doesn't hook you, the writing definitely will. Be sure to pick up this novel and keep and eye on Marsha Cornelius for future works. 

Review: High Wire by Angela Biera

Title: High Wire by Angela Biera

Publisher: Self

Release Date: January 16th, 2015

Genres: Romance, Drama

Medium: EBook, Received for Review

First of all, let me start off by saying that the first novel in this series (Haywire) was one of the most amazing stories I had ever read. That novel simply blew me away. After finishing it, I remember thinking "no sequel can top this." Well I was so very wrong. This sequel blew Haywire out of the water, something I originally thought was impossible. I cannot put into words how utterly perfect this novel is. It is rare that I "fan-girl" over a novel so much.

The plot was effortlessly beautiful. You get to experience an amazing mix of gut-wrenching action, rollercoaster-of-a-ride drama, traumatic experiences, and steamy romance. This plot is one of the most addicting stories I have ever encountered. It is very hard for me to describe how emotionally powerful, hilarious, and suspenseful this novel truly was. I think my next words may get the point across: I finished the novel in one sitting. Yes, it was so delicious and addicting, I sat down and read it straight through. It was that great.

I can also attribute my addiction to this novel to Biera's wonderful writing. It literally astounds me how effortlessly she weaves a story that is as emotional and heart-warming as it is romantic and sexy. From page one, the novel will pull you in, and will not let you go, even long after you have finished reading the last page. This is a story that will stick with you forever. Her writing is spot-on perfection, and I don't think I have ever said truer words.

Overall, this is one novel you will not be able to put down. The characters are perfection, they plot is a once-in-a-lifetime rollercoaster ride, and the writing tied everything together beautifully. It is emotional and dramatic, and also the steamiest, sexiest novel I have read all year. One word: wow. Purchase this novel now. I can, without a doubt, promise you you will love it! Perfection.

Review: Werewolf Nights by Mari Hamill

Title: Werewolf Nights by Mari Hamill

Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing

Release Date: May 19th, 2014

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Horror, Drama

Medium: Paperback, Recieved for Review via author

Werewolf Nights is an interesting read that mixes multiple genres, including fantasy, horror, drama, romance, and of course, the paranormal. It's an exciting new twist on werewolves, one that is full of unexpected twists and turns, and a multitude of exciting characters.

I have to say that in the beginning, I wasn't very sure of this novel. The beginning is slow and a little confusing. Some of the writing is generic and parts of the plot were very predictable. In this sense, some parts of the werewolf lore used in this novel were very stereotypical and could have been better reinvented. I feel as if she focused more on a historic retelling of werewolf lore, rather than creating her own, and at times, the mixing of various werewolf tales was too much and created confusion, which clouded the overall plot of the story. However, aside from this, I liked the plot well enough. I thoroughly enjoyed the filmmaking aspect that was thrown in (as I work in filmmaking myself) but there was an inconsistency here. Sometimes, the filmmaking was simplified (which was a good thing, so that those unfamiliar with the industry could still understand the story) but sometimes this aspect was overdone and over the top. Other than that, I felt that the plot flowed quite nicely, and there was a good amount of unexpected plot twists.

The writing was also very nice. Hamill writes with obvious skill, and can easily project a scene into the reader's mind with just a few chosen words. Her writing flows nicely, but lacks description. 

I feel that one thing could have improved this novel immensely, is to have "fleshed out" the plot and the writing. I rarely say this, as usually, authors use too much filler in their stories, trying to fill up pages. That is not the case with this novel, as I needed more. I needed more description and more added to the plot in general. If this had been dragged out a bit more, some of the story wouldn't have been so sudden and confusing. I also would have liked to have seen more character development. The majority of the cast of interesting characters (including the main protagonist) felt very one dimensional. They lacked emotional connect to the reader. They rarely had anything to base their actions of words upon. It just seemed very mechanical. But I did enjoy the ending (which was a big plot twists, and one that I loved) and it left us with a fantastic cliff hanger.

Besides all the negatives, I do see potentional. Her writing was very nice and her storytelling-vibe matched the story's overall feel. Eventually, I could see this novel becoming a favorite of paranormal-fans. It's there, but it needs some work. But I really did enjoy it, and I look forward to seeing what she does next.

ARC Review: The Lynchpin by Jeffrey B. Burton

Title: The Lynchpin by Jeffrey B. Burton

Release Date: February 24th, 2015

Publisher: MP Publishing

Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Mystery

Medium: Received for Review, Via Author

The Lynchpin by Jeffrey B. Burton is an exciting and fresh serial killer thriller that offers new mystery and action at every turn of a page. It's a scarily-realistic novel that makes you want to check and double check that your windows and doors are locked, and leaves you with a suspicion that you should be checking over your shoulder. It brings new meaning to "scary good." It's an ingenious mix of a murderous thriller, FBI crime drama, and James Bond-esqe missions. The Agent Drew Cady series is one we all definitely will want to follow.

The plot of this novel is one of the most exquisite, detailed and thought-out plots I have ever had the good fortune to read. The plot is so rich and life like (quite scarily, at times) you feel like a special agent yourself. As you turn the pages in this novel, you delve deeper into a thought provoking thriller that has mysteries so entangled, you'll be thinking of every character as a possible suspect. It really makes you think and brings out the inner detective in all of us. This engaging, rollercoaster ride of a novel leaves no stone unturned and never seizes to surprise. Just as you get comfortable, you'll be thrown for a loop and be sucked right back into suspense. You'll never want to put this novel down. Even the most seasoned action/thriller/horror fans will be thrown off guard with this one, and will be swept into the addicting story of special agent Drew Cady, just as I was.

The characters of this novel were spot on. Burton managed to create a cast of characters with a multitude of varying back stories and waring personalities. Each character played a vital part in the plot, and all claimed a special place in my heart. The subtle romance and conflicting personalities are clear evidence of Burton's outstanding writing capabilities and imagination. His ability to craft characters and weave a fantastic story around them, with virtually no effort at all, simply astounds me, not to mention leaves me wanting more.

I am simply envious of Burton's writing. He is able to write flawlessly, weaving a flowing, exciting tale that leaves readers speechless. Clearly, he is a force to be reckoned with, and one we will definitely keep an eye on for future installments in the series or new works. Whatever the case, his (and I don't use this word lightly) perfect writing has definitely brought out the fan in me!

Overall, this flawless novel that is an exciting mix of thriller, horror, and action genres, is one to be greatly acknowledged. Please do yourself a favor and pick up this novel as soon as possible. You will not regret it.

DNF Update

For the record, I decided not to finish the following novels that were sent to me from authors to be reviewed, or were part of a blog tour:

Exodus 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett

&

Emissary by Thomas Locke

I'm not sure if I will every go back and finish the novels (because there is something inside me that makes it physically hurt to not finish a book) but with the multitude of novels I have to review piling up and other novels I have been waiting to read being released, I feel my time would be better spent there. I may return to these in the future.

Review: Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Title: Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

Release Date: April 13th, 2010

Genres: Action, Romance, Drama

Medium: Paperback, Purchased

Simone Elkeles has done it again! It seems like there is not a single thing that she writes that is bad. It is very rare that I read something that I can find no faults with. With every one of her stories, I fall in love all over again.

Elkeles' plots never disappoint. They are fast-paced, action packed, romantic, sexy, and thrilling, all rolled up in one. The amazingly addicting, flowing story makes this novel one that is extremely hard to put down! It literally pained me to have to take a break from reading it.

Her writing is fantastic as well. It's like every word was specifically chosen to portray the perfect emotions. The emotionality is what really shines through in these novels. I also loved the perfectly placed bits of Spanish language and culture. It's fantastic. The writing is polished and flows effortlessly, the language is true to teenagers, and the romance is so realistic and heartwarming.

Overall, this novel was amazing. The characters were amazing, the writing was perfect, the plot was exciting, and the romance was to die for. One word can sing all the praises for this novel: Perfect.