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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Ridley House by Willa Jemhart Book Review

Ridley House
by Willa Jemhart

ASIN: B00BLYB81O
Paperback: 149 Pages
Genre:  Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Mystery Thriller,
Publication: February 27th, 2013
Source: Author

AMAZON  |  GOODREADS

Goodreads Synopsis:
For as long as she can remember, nineteen-year-old Kay has been unable to stay in one place for long. With no recollection of who she is or where she came from, plagued by nightmares she doesn't remember upon waking, and the torturous feeling that her one true love was lost to her, she is searching for or fleeing from something.

When she accepts a summer job at the Ridley House Inn, it feels like a nice change of pace. The country setting and old-fashioned feel are comfortable, homey, and even familiar.

Shortly after her arrival, she finds a wall filled with Ridley family portraits, where one picture in particular grabs her attention - a late 1930s photograph of a young woman with a face identical to her own.

Between the warning of a scary old man telling her she should not have returned, and the magnetic pull towards a familiar and handsome young man, Kay is determined to find some answers. Is Ridley House the place she has been searching for, is it the place she has been running from, or is all of the familiarity simply contrived by her desperation to finally belong somewhere?

My Impression

Ridley House is a story about a girl named Kay, who mysteriously have no recollection of her past and had an 'On the Run' habit and never stayed in one place. Until she got accepted on a summer job at Ridley House. The place instantly feels like home to her and after seeing a painting of a girl who looks exactly like her, she knew, that even if the scary old gardener told her that she should have not returned, she needs to know the answers that the Ridley House have for her.

First few chapters got me hooked. Mystery behind Kay's past got my attention and was very eager to know what happened and what links to her to the Ridley House. The author did a very good job creating a very enigmatic plot which would make the readers cling on to the book.

I relate much to Kay's attitude, since I am so much like her in a way. She is held back, patient and she controls her emotion well. Other supporting characters were okay too, they are well-developed and the author gave a very great job giving them distinctive personalities.

There were parts where I did predict how the story will unfold, but aside from that I find this book a good read. Though there aren't any heart pumping actions here, the story is a good slow paced one, created in proficiency.  

Rating:  3 Stars

Plot: Slow Paced.

Page Turner: A bit.

Continued?: No

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: No.

About the Author

Willa Jemhart

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Sin by Sharron Riddle Book Review

Sin
by Sharron Riddle

ISBN: 1620074354 (ISBN13: 9781620074350)
Paperback: 274 Pages
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Publication: January 13th, 2014 by Curiosity Quills Press
Source: Net Galley

AMAZON  |  GOODREADS

To escape from her father's plan of putting Sin in a nut house, her mom sent her to Sin's great aunts in St. Charles, IL. There she realizes that she came from an ancient druid priestesses linage and was sent into a mission of finding the stolen hellhounds and to stop the undead (zombies) from rising back to life. Sin must learn to deal with all the Feys, monsters and other mythical creatures, together with her new friend Fae and two gorgeous hunks, Van, a Fey Prince and Llaw, the half-human and half-fey who are both trying to compete for her affection.

My Impression

I am already a Fan... Yes! Totally a fan of Sin Blackmore. I love her character so much I wanna kiss her and ask for her autograph! I love her strong personality, how she love and values herself as who she is, how she cares for other people, how she delivers her witty side. She totally ROCKS!

She narrowed her eyes. "Nobody likes a smart ass." "Wow, then you must not have many friends."

Grow Babies? Was she serious? I suddenly wanted to try the spell, just to see if it really worked. But then I'd be stuck with a kid. So not worth it.

I've read books that revolves around Fey creatures, but never had I read something like this. The world building is very dynamic. It's like you've stepped out into a new world.

At first I thought the book was about zombie slayers,

She rummaged through the clothes piled at the foot of my bed, and held up an "I'm a Juicy Girl" shirt. "No," I said firmly. "I'm not advertising to the zombies."

 But zombies though they appear mostly here, are all but extras. There so many creatures here, that it felt like the urban fantasy, fantasy and paranormal creatures collided in this book (Sorry, but no vamps here, though). It was so action packed. Not to mention those two hunks that contends for Sin's affection.

This really was my personal hell. The light god and the dark. Both of them seemed hell bent on testing me to the very limits of my self-control. And all they'd done is smile at me.

OMG! Who to choose!? At first I thought I'll go for Team Llaw because I'm all for those bad ass guys that spells trouble on their forehead. But Van did redeem himself almost every time in this book too.

"I do not know this word..idiot."[Van] "Try looking in a mirror."[Sin] "why?"[Van]

But then, with all the glamour Sin, really fight hard not to fall just because those two are heaven sent hunks, she stood her ground and wanted real love.

And I was nobody's plaything.

I love each main characters here, they are very well thought of. They compliment each others character and bring more life to the lead. I love how Sin bonded with Fae. I liked their tandem and did a tear-jerky in one chapter too.

Though the solution to the problem was "THAT SIMPLE?", I really liked how it turned out in the ending. 

Rating:  5 Stars

Plot: Action packed.

Page Turner: Yes

Continued?: No

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Definitely!

About the Author

Sharron Riddle

Official Website ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Juniper's Princess Chelsea O'Neal Book Review

Juniper's Princess
by Chelsea O'Neal

ISBN: 1909220493 (ISBN13: 9781909220492)
Paperback: 246 Pages
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance, Mystery
Publication: August 24th, 2013
Source: Author

AMAZON  |  GOODREADS

Daniah has a plain simple and happy life. Aside from being an adopted child, she knows that she is different. She mostly dream about people she never met before asking for help and sometimes she dreams about a not so distant future. And meeting Jaiden, triggers her mysterious dreams to increase and her life to drastically change. 

Caught up between the truth about half human, half angel race, Daniah need to trust Jaiden, who actually lied to her. She now needs to face a war that's been raging on between the half-breed angles, fighting an evil who feeds from the human soul. And Jaiden must convince Daniah that she is more than different. She is their savior, their princess and that she needs to help them before they all die.

My Impression

This book had me feel like I'm watching a TV series. The book is in a multiple POV format, and it's one of the things would make you hold on and want to know more about the story.

Although I'm a bit confused about where the setting of the story is, I just took it as... in another world where half angels and humans co-exist together, without the human knowledge about the half-angels, of course. And aside from the most confusing part where Zach explained everything about all kinds of half-breeds angels in one go. The story is very entertaining. 

I like Daniah being a family centered person. Even if she is adopted in a human family. I like how her family shows closeness and love. But I liked Cordelia more... Maybe because she has a very strong personality, and I'm a sucker for women who kick butts and all. And I don't like girls who falls overly in love with someone just because they're like heaven sent hunks.

The story was very well thought of and I love the way the author intertwine each character's story. How they all hold a certain pieces of the story.  I think this multiple POV format did made this book full of suspense and not to mention... sizzling sex. (You've been warned young fellows below 18... not for you!)

Rating:  3 Stars

Plot: Good pace from scene to scene

Page Turner: On Cordelia's scene

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Not for me.

About the Author

Chelsea O'Neal

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Movie Monday [01]: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Just thought about writing a different post today. Instead of posting loads of review, I decided to feature something different. Something Book Lovers anticipate most of the time, especially when it is a very good book.

Movie Monday features a book that is going to be filmed soon. So, for my first Movie Monday, I decided to feature Divergent. Since, this is the most recent book I've read in which movie will be out this year.

What do I think of the book?

Though I've watched Hunger Games first before reading this one. I haven't got the similarity issues. Aside from they are both under dystopia genre, I can't see anything to compare them with.

I like the story of Divergent, I felt the grief of Tris parents after knowing she will be in a different faction, I felt how Tris wanted to belong and prove herself to her new faction, I felt Tris and Four's romantic moments and looked forward every chapter hoping for a progress.

The world building is definitely awesome, but I don't know if it is "just me" but I did imagine the Dauntless Headquarters to be under some sort of cave.  (My best friend told me that it was "just me". Oh well...)

Anyway, based on previous experiences from books turned movie. I don't expect much. I've learned how to NOT wish for the movie to be as great as I read... because it won't be! 

Nothing beats a good old book and your highly imaginative brains.

Don't forget to check out Divergent!

Divergent

by Veronica Roth

ISBN: 0062024035 (ISBN13: 97800624039)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia, 

Fantasy, Romance

Publication: February 28th, 2012

AMAZON  |  GOODREADS

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue-- Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves... or it might destroy her.

About the Author

Veronica Roth

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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Origin Book Review

JenniferL. Armentrout

ISBN: 1622660757 (ISBN13: 9781622660759)

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Published: August 27th, 2013

Note: Synopsis taken from Goodreads

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything. 

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? 

And will they even be together?

HOLY. ALIEN. BABIES. Errm... Sorry, it's just that the cover is just so beautiful. Burning the world concept in the background, model Daemon pissed off but still gorgeous and those abs. DAYUM!

Anyway, I really wondered how this book could be as exciting as the third book Opal. But boy, I wasn't disappointed. Kathy being captured by the Daedalus isn't as boring as I thought it would be. The truth and lies behind everything got me wondering all over again. 

Daemon and Kathy's reunion got me all teary eyed. Yeah, I honestly never expect to be touched by it, but I guess it got something to do with Daemon's POV. How he saw Kathy as the only girl he loves, how he is deeply in love with her, and how much pain he is emotionally. 

"My heart stopped. My entire world came to a halt. I walked forward, and my step faltered. Only at the last possible second, I caught myself from hitting the floor on my knees. The back of my throat and eyes burned." -Daemon

Kathy is my ideal heroine. She is not weak, as I say in my previous reviews, not a damsel in distress (even though Daemon wants her to be one). She makes mistakes, sometime can be annoyingly stubborn, she is not perfect. She is selfless, she thinks and stand for what she believes in. I admire her for handling everything on her own.

"She attacked several members of my team."

A smile spread across my face. That's my girl. "So sorry to hear that." - Daemon to Nancy

And there was Archer, I was really mystified by him, being the silent type, by-stander but someone who cares character that he is. He is certainly someone to watch out for in the next installment.

"Well, aren't you just a special snowflake," Daemon murmured.

"That I am." Archer's lips quirked into a half grin.

I just wanted to say something to Blake...  You got that coming dude... You certainly got that coming!

This book certainly got a pretty good hold on me. The story line is good as it progress to it's end. And speaking of "end", geez... the ending of this book... . There goes Jennifer Armentrout's soul sucking ending. There's still so much to look forward to and more than enough reason to anticipate the final book.

Rating:5 stars and counting...

Plot: Action pack, Jaw dropping

Page Turner: Yes.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Completely awed.

 

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Official Website ✿ Email ✿ Blog ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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