True Fate Shayna Varadeaux | Book Reviews

True Fate Cover

True Fate by Shayna Varadeaux

Series: True Fate #1

Published: January 6th 2014 by Shayna Varadeaux Books
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, Fantasy
Format Acquired: ARR/ePub from Author

Synopsis

Epifania De La Garza or Nia as she prefered to be called, knows she isn't normal. Strange things always happened to her and decided to keep it a secret. A secret which she shares only to her best friend Rhea.

On the night of her eighteenth birthday, she unconsciously spoke of a prophecy, luckily though freaked out by it, Rhea witnessed it all. They promised each other to go see her Great Aunt Amarie, but Nia isn't sure if her crazy Aunt could help them uncover all the mystery in Nia's life.

But even before they could get to her Aunt Amarie, Nia already got her fair share of unexpected occurences. She finds herself explicitly drawn to a handsome stranger named Aaron. She dreamed about people who seem to know everything about who she truly is, but wont tell her otherwise.

Now she find herself in the middle of danger, when dreams and reality collide. She brace herself to uncover her True Fate.

My Impression

I never felt so frustrated in my life, while reading a book. And I don't exactly know whether its a good thing or a bad thing. The story started out with Nia and Rhea (who is actually hurt/wounded) somewhere in the woods, hiding from someone. With Nia talking telepathically with Rhea in the fear of being discovered. That did caught my attention and wondered what kind of powers and magical creature, could she possibly be. Then they escaped through a vehicle, sending out thoughts to "others" that they were okay and they need help. Then this Eric guy, suddenly appeared and drive their vehicle and wont answer any of Nia's questions. Once they arrive to their destination, what Nia found in the safe house shocked her enough to loose consciousness. That did a great job on making me held on and read more. 

Second part of the story briefly explained how Nia and Rhea became friends and how they came to share Nia's secret. Ended up with the prophecy Nia spoke off while sleeping which was witnessed once again by Rhea. Once again, caught my so curious mind and made me go on reading.

World building was really awesome, it was very unique. I liked the idea of dream walking, meeting and training in your dream. Which I find really cool. Imagine, cramming for your exam tomorrow inside your dream, you'll still be well rested and ready! I was only confused about the "world" the other characters were talking about, about how they exist inside Nia's mind. I had trouble figuring that out, much less imagine it.

I found Nia too perfect. Beautiful, rich, good daughter, good friend, good sister, have magical powers, fast learner and the only flaws I saw in her was that, she doesn't know what she really is. I didn't like her much. Though, I did like the other characters especially Savannah. I didn't have troubles visualizing all the characters in this book, the author gave them distinctive personality.

There were nothing she hated more than love triangle. 'God I hope that's not what this is...  Note to self, fate is a shady character.' she said smirking.

 I did thought so too. With all the fate thing, I wasn't quite sure where to place Eric. And when the author made it clear as to whom Eric should belong... I was left wondering, "is that it?" just like that... and was only a physical attraction? I was sure Nia was so affected by Eric. Which really confused me a lot. 

I liked the plot, kept me wondering what would unfold next, how Nia could grow as a character, how Aaron could be more like a 'Guardian' and not just the 'fated one', I wanted to know about what they really are. The thing is, almost 80% of the story was just about being fated with someone, and having a tattoo marks in the body. I was trying so hard to understand the importance of it in the whole story. What does it got to do with Nia's true identity? 

I did say I don't like Nia, right? But in fairness to her, I can relate soooo much about how she feels in the story and the frustration that I was talking about earlier is actually all about how the author didn't EVEN GIVE a hint of what Nia is!!! I was 90% of finishing the book and still no clues as to what Nia's place in the prophecy. She's the chosen one... FOR WHAT? and then...

Aunt Amarie waited patiently as Nia dried her tears and took a deep breath. She knew what she was now and she still couldn't believe it.

OH MY GOSH! Good for you Nia! You already know what you are and still, all the readers don't! I don't know how to react really! As I said... FRUSTRATIONS!!! Good or bad you decide.

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: Medium paced.

Page Turner: Yes.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: I did like Aaron, the gentleman that he is.

About the Author Official Website ✿ Blog ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

Shayna Varadeaux

Shayna Varadeaux born in Texas, USA. Married with three teenagers. An avid reader and book reviewer. She's multi-talented, from playing bass, a back-up singer to a tattoo artist and now an author. Surely is living her dream and loving it!
"I am currently writing True Chaos, Book 2 in the True Fate series! it is a hectic process being a writer, editor and formatter but luckily I have my best friend who is also my supportive husband to cheer me on. I'm definitely enjoying the painful journey of becoming a self-published Author."

Did you find this book interesting?    Support the author by buying True Faith.

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Just a Touch Brittany Delys Book Review

Just a Touch
by Brittany Delys

ASIN: B00ED577LS
Pages: 254
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance
Publication: August 2013
Source: Author

AMAZON  |  GOODREADS

From Goodreads Synopsis:

"To the one that receives this letter. Protect it with all you have. In the hands of the Reformers it would mean even greater trouble for us. The Triad must be found and the Chosen brought together. The fate of our people rest on this."

All Arianna Shae wants is to get out of Bakers Ridge and away from everyone who knows everything about her. Beginning her senior year, she sees her moment of escape getting closer and her spirits begin to rise, that is until he arrives and her life takes an unexpected turn.

As a Guardian, Chase Melina has always known what he was meant to do: protect the Chosen. Sent out on his first assignment, he's struck with the feeling that all is not what it seems. As strange things begin to happen, he becomes even more determined to keep his protegee safe, especially after seeing what she can do.

When their worlds collide Chase and Arianna must fight for their lives. Through torture, escape, new relationships, legends, and even death they are determined to find out the answers to the questions revolving around their destiny and ultimately fulfill a prophecy that could save them all.

My Impression

Arianna woke up in the middle of the woods with no recollection of how she got there. Okay, that got me all intrigued. Then this good old school scene where the lead girl got bullied... yeah, that's kinda my favorite scenes even on my mangas. Then came the lead guy, eyes only for the lead girl. Common scenes, but yeah, definitely my fave. I like dreamy scenes. 

This book really got hold of me. I found the plot thrilling, and I was always looking forward and wanting to crack something out. The world building is good, I find it simple, and you know how simplicity could sometimes blow your mind. 

I can't relate much to Arianna. I mean, she's an okay lead character, not too dull, not too extreme but there's a bit of perfection in her. Chase on the other hand is the typical teenage boy with a mission to fulfill. I find him easy to relate with. With all that's going on with his life, struggling to escape from his father's fame and tries so hard to prove himself capable. He fell in love with the girl he needs to protect.

But then I got really bored on the chasing scene, where Arianna, Jade and Chase were on the run. It's dragging on that part, I seriously wish they would outran their pursuers already cause it's getting really tiresome. And I don't really like the part on the academy, it felt like there's something missing... I can't really put it into words, it's like it's too easy? too fast? 

All in all, I did like the story and the ending made me want to read the second installment. I'd like to see how the new character Ethan, will come between Arianna and Chase. It's really something to look forward to.

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: Medium Paced.

Page Turner: A little.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Chase is definitely a good catch and also looking forward for Ethan too.

About the Author

Brittany Delys

Official Website ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Amber Rain by Alyssa & Celesta Thiessen Book Review

Amber Rain
by Alyssa Thiessen & Celesta Thiessen

ASIN: B00I8S5CMM
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia
Publication: February 3rd, 2014
Source: Story Cartel

Ellie Lauder and her family grew up in an underground shelter. They are the descendants of the survivors of the amber rain, an astronomical tragedy that brought human to the brink of extinction. Although population in the shelter are numbered, Ellie and her three brothers was always bullied by kids of their age.

Her father wasn't exaggerating; she was at the top of her class. Not that it won her any friends. Not that anything would. Why do they hate me so much.

Most of the time her brothers stood out for her, but they were always the odd one out, an outcast. There was one incident that forced her to fight back, and Ellie being sick of always being bullied decided to runaway and eventually discovered a secret entrance that leads to the surface. A place where she thought was gone forever.

The  world wasn't opening up and swallowing her. This was outside. This was above. She looked into the sky again. Sun. Clouds. It was so much bigger in real life, so much brighter - so much more terrifying.

My Impression

At first I thought the story would be like "The City of Ember", but visualizing the technology they have here in Amber Rain, I already guessed not. It would pass for a middle grade genre if it weren't for some violent settings. It was an easy read and I really felt like the book is for ages 14+.

I wasn't really enticed by the book cover, I was actually wondering about the connection between the title Amber Rain to the the Girl looking at the wilderness. As I read the story it does makes sense after all. 

The story was okay for me, it kept me reading till the end of the book without pausing. I guess the mystery behind their existence, their history and the mystery of what's waiting for them outside the shelter made me held on. I was actually also waiting for Ellie to fight back and get even with the other kids. I guess, it touches some nerves. LOLx.

I also liked the minimal twist in the story, about Ellie finding out who she really is and the switch! I really liked that part. I was like... TIME TO KICK SOME BULLIES GUTS! 

Although the ending isn't a cliffhanger type, I find myself looking forward in knowing what's going to happen next, how will they survive, how will everyone get along and how those hanging romance bloom.

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: Well paced story.

Page Turner: In most part

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend:  I had a hard time visualizing Lee, River and Will. So, no.

About the Author

Celesta Thiessen

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter

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18 Truths Jamie Ayres Book Review

18 Truths
by Jamie Ayres

ISBN: 1620074478 (ISBN13: 9781620074473)
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Mystery
Publication: January 24th, 2014
Source: Net Galley

From Goodreads Synopsis:

Lying is unbearable, betrayal is inevitable, and choosing which path to take is impossible.

Olga Gay Worontzoff ended her senior year as an eighteen-year-old girl totally in love with Nate, enjoying their new romance and about to attend the university of her dreams. Now she's spending her summer in the weird subculture of the Underworld, with charmingly witty and powerful angels, and problematic demons, trying to rescue Conner, the best friend and secret crush she was unable to save during a freak accident.

But Nate has other things on his mind, mainly Grace. She's their first assignment as joint guides, and Olga's feeling hurt and jealous. His mysterious behavior has Olga questioning everything she believed about him and now she must decide whether to stick to their plan, or follow her heart. Unfortunately, a series of mistakes threatens everyone around her and plants Olga in the center of cosmic events much larger than she ever imagined.

Only one thing is certain: the chilling truths uncovered during her journey will leave no one untouched.

My Impression

I was totally dumbfounded by this book. First and foremost, the cover. It was really enticing and mystifying. My first impression was, "Okay, book under a teen & young adult genre, possibly has to do with paranormal alien or magic stuffs.". Uh-uh... how wrong I was. The title is quite catchy too. I haven't read the first book though, but I wasn't lost while reading this one. 

While I was reading it, I eventually realized that this book would offer me such an inspiring story and it did! I actually highlighted several quotes that I would that would be a perfect share to my love ones and friends. There were those scenes, (as simple as it is...) that will touch your heart deep because you know that it happen in real life and would basically be the exact thing you'd say if it did happen to yours.

"Well, first of all, every child deserve a grandma to spoil them, and mine won't have one. You know what? Bump all of that,  every child deserves a mother to love them. I can't even love myself."

The originality of the book blew me away. Never did I thought of anything like this, I mean NEVER! I did knew the saying "Life after death" but I haven't really thought about living it as the author visualize it in the book. I could only say one thing... COOL! How would you like to live the "same" way as you did here in earth while under the angel supervision and knowing... Literally knowing, that you're just one step closer to either heaven and hell. I super loved the world building in this one, it seems logical and believable. Well, perhaps except for this one... 

Ash handed Nate and me a backpack.

"School supplies?" Nate asked, shaking the bag, his eyes wide.

.

.

"And, not exactly. You don't need to worry about graduating. You nee to worry about warfare. You'll find binoculars,  a Bible, a crucifix necklace to wear that's been anointed with oil, Grace's case file, the roles you're playing in this after-death purification process, a copy of your Spirit Guide Insurance Policy, your daily meditation guide, cell phones, a tranq gun, an Angel Phonebook with who to call for specific problems, your Limbo passports in case someone needs to see your ID, Spirit Guide For Dummies 101, etc. --"

And the humor! Geez, I think I caught myself smiling like a hundred times while reading this. 

Before I died, the only religion I knew had been Star Wars. ~Conner

Do you want to go straight to H-E-double hockey sticks? ~Nate 

Okay, I know that's not the best funny verse in this book but really, it made me smile. Olga is all so human with all her imperfections. There were times that I'd like to smack her head for wanting everything and not being contented with what she has. She is selfish that way and I find her so unfair. It was like reading a "reverse harem manga" [when a lead girl is being liked by most of the the boy character in the story] which is cute if it is a manga, but not that cute when it comes to novels.

Nate or Conner? Nate showed his dark side only to protect Olga which means he's do everything for her and would fight for her no matter what. While, Conner would do too. Wait, looking at this point of view I could understand Olga now. I can't possibly choose between the two of them.   Okay, maybe I'll choose Riel instead.

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: Slow paced. Dragging in most chapters

Page Turner: Not really.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Still confused.. but yes, there are three possible candidates here.

About the Author

Jamie Ayres

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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The False Prince Book Review

The False Prince
by Jennifer Nielsen

ISBN: 0545284139 (ISBN13: 97805484134)
Genre: Children Fantasy, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Publication: April 1st, 2012

From Goodreads Synopsis:

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. but Sage's rival have their own agendas as well. 

My Impression

This was the first book I read which got a male protagonist POV. What amazes me the most is how I often flip the cover to check if the author is "really" a female. The way I visualize Sage, he is a 100% male. The author did bring out her masculine side in the form of Sage. 

Sage is an awesome character, I liked him very much. He is a good sort of rebellious teen, doing what he like, not letting other manhandled him. He is very intelligent. I admire him for being a quick thinker and a thorough planner. Like he's always 10 step ahead of the other characters. Though I already got a hint about the "truth" in the earlier chapters, I think it's his attitude that gave him away. 

A person can be educated and still be stupid, and a wise man can have no education at all.

I wasn't really impress by the book cover though, it looks boring for me. But all in all I like the story, though it was a very slow paced. I enjoyed how Sage outwit every character in the story. 

Conner answered, "Mrs. Turbeldy warned me that you have a history of running away. Where did you go?" 

To church of course. To confess my sins."

Though I "DID" like the story... I don't think anticipation is high enough for me, to read it's other sequels. There's no loose ending to hang into, no romance ( well, there are two possibilities, but I didn't find it interesting enough  )  to watch out for. So... there you go....

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: VERY slow paced. Detailed

Page Turner: Not really.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes. I think... ✖‿✖

Book Boyfriend: 15 years old is tooo young for me.

About the Author

Jennifer Nielsen

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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You are Mine Book Review

You are Mine
by Janeal Falor

ISBN: 0989743209 (ISBN13:9780989743204)
Genre: Fantasy Magic, Young Adult, New Adult, Paranormal Romance,
Publication: May 6th, 2013
Source: Author

In Serena's world women are precious commodities to be traded, a trophy for display and just for giving birth. Now that she is of age, her father will trade her to warlocks who would buy her for how much magic she has in her blood. 

A warlock could ask to buy me at any time. There's nothing I can do about it. I follow mother from the room, bowing my head with the hope that it will keep further attention from me. But it's too late to hope. I will always be owned.

 No matter how she dislike the idea of being owned she doesn't have the right to say or show it. If she does, it will be an act of disrespect and will be punished cruelly, or much worst she will be tarnished. She'll be an outcast, bald, inked and worthless for the rest of her life.

As she readied herself for her new warlock owner, a very unexpected situation happens. Her ownership was won by a foreign barbarian. Confusion was all that fills her head, when she realize that her new master is not what she imagine to be. 

We pass the Envadi. I clench my shaking hands and risk a peek back. His gaze meets mine, though he's still speaking to a servant. I trip and hurry to right myself, this time sure to watch where I'm going. Though I don't look again, I feel his gaze still on me. What is he planning to do to me?

My Impression

When I was reading this book, I can't help but imagine Khal Drogo and Khaleesi. Actually they are the ones who were reenacting the characters inside my head. 

Yeah, yeah, I know. Serena has dark hair and all, but you can't blame my internal DVD player. They just appeared out of nowhere.

Anyway,  I found this book very unnerving.  I'm an independent woman, grew up being always relied on, expectations from me are high (Which frustrates me most of the time). So I see myself as a very capable human, I value my worth and quite proud of it. Reading how women in this book were degraded, controlled and owned, makes me furious. 

"Very good pedigree," he mumbles."Father most impressive. Mother's Father is Devon Mullshire. His and his Fathers' powers were excellent. Simply excellent."

 What the heck is she? A dog? Geez! How the author emphasized that the women in the book were merely a commodity, really touched some nerves. It was believably great. I'm still on the verge of teleporting there and start a rebellion myself.

 As I read the first few chapters, I found it very disturbing ( as a female who believes in equality ),  compelling in a way that you wanted to find out how Serena, being who she is, will bring change to their current state, how she could tap into her own power proving that women are also an important part of the society and anticipating how Serena and her new owners' relationship will bloom into a beautiful love story.

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: Nerve wrecking. Intriguing

Page Turner: Not really

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: If he looks like Khal Drogo. YES!(｡♥‿♥｡)

About the Author

Janeal Falor

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Djinn Book Review

Laura Catherine

ISBN: 1492816930

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Published: December 16th, 2013
Source: Story Cartel

Ever since she was young, Kyra's life hadn't been exactly normal. She and her dad were always on the run from bad people who wanted something from her father. Due to this, her father trained her how to defend herself from their pursuers.

Dad only struck me in places that wouldn't show when I wore clothes, so people wouldn't get suspicious and think he was beating me or anything.

Not long enough, even after a years of preparations, the thing they dreaded about finally came. Kyra was kidnapped and much to her dismay, she least expect her kidnapper, Will, to be so handsome, mysterious and the most annoying truth about him is his kindness.

I  opened my eyes to see the boy staring down at me. His face was like an angel, perfect pale skin and golden eyes.

Kyra found herself brought in a secret location where she learned that everything she believes in turns out to be wrong and was told about who she really is, a magical creature called Djinn.

"I'm a Djinn," I repeated for the sixteenth time, and still didn't believe it.

"I'm a genie who grants wishes and lives in a lamp?" I cocked my head at her, in the hope she'd realize just how insane she sounded.

Finally agreeing to accept the truth about her identity, she have to be accustomed to Djinn's way of life. That is finding her own powers and staying away from the person she loves.

This book is a breath of fresh air for me. I was intrigue by how the author would incorporate the "genie" thing in the story. It was really an interesting concept. I find the plot really good, it was compelling, the kind of book that you don't want to put down even if you're going to the toilet.

And the twist!!! OH-MI-OH-MY!  I never expected it, you can just feel Kyra's confusion and anger. I honestly considered it myself, if it were to happen to me. I empathized with her about not getting want she really wants, cause she understand their situation and doesn't want to demand on her father cause she cared so much about him, and she knows how hard it really is for him too. Kyra is such a kind hearted girl and she valued her family and friends.

I don't really know how I should react on Will's character. He is such a rare personality these days cause I've been reading loads of bad-boys-outside-good-boy-inside lately, and Will is such a gentlemen from the very beginning. I found him a bit dull at first, I mean no challenges at all. I would love to get to know his bad-ass side where he would fight for Krya no matter what roadblock awaits them.

The story all in all is action packed and is really is a page turner. I enjoyed how it is well thought-out. It was like I was watching an action movie inside my head. I also like the supporting characters, especially Pyke, but oh well.... 

Rating: 4 stars

Plot: Action packed, very compelling

Page Turner: Yes.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Definitely has the potential.

Laura Catherine

Official Website ✿ Blog ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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