Review of Hooked by Liz Fichera

Title: Hooked (Hooked, #1)
Author: Liz Fichera
Published by: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Format: ebook
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  Get Hooked on a Girl Named Fred...

HE said: Fred Oday is a girl? Puh-leeze. Why is a girl taking my best friend’s spot on the boys’ varsity golf team?

SHE said: Can I seriously do this? Can I join the boys’ team? Everyone will hate me—especially Ryan Berenger.

HE said: Coach expects me to partner with Fred on the green? That is crazy bad. Fred’s got to go—especially now that I can’t get her out of my head. So not happening.

SHE said: Ryan can be nice, when he’s not being a jerk. Like the time he carried my golf bag. But the girl from the rez and the spoiled rich boy from the suburbs? So not happening.

But there’s no denying that things are happening as the girl with the killer swing takes on the boy with the killer smile....

Liz Fichera doesn't hold anything back in her debut novel Hooked.  While the story focuses on Fred, the first girl on the guys varsity team, there are many underlying issues at work.  Some of them include: racism, alcohol abuse, stereotyping, physical abuse, infidelity, gender inequality and socio-economic status.  This may seem like a lot to handle, but it was presented really well in the story. 

Fred, a Native American girl golfer, joins the varsity team only to cause an uproar.  The guys are not only upset that there is a girl on their team, but that she is better than all of them.  While I wasn't a fan of a lot of the characters I thought most were true to what you'd expect.  I'm not saying I agree with many of their actions, but I felt like Liz Fichera portrayed each character in a manner that suited them and their behaviors.  While we really got to know both Fred and Ryan and their home lives, we only got glimpses of the other's lives.  These supporting characters felt a little flat to me since I didn't know much about them.  Fred on the other hand, I did like but at times I thought she was a bit naive.  She was a tough girl, who has led a rough live and so that aspect of her character didn't fit for me.

The story started off really well, as I love the thought of gender - equality, and if I'm being completely truthful the thought of not only a women, but a minority women showing up all these rich snobby white boys had me cheering Fred on and hoping she would succeed.  Soon though, things started to get twisted up and I felt like there were too many communication errors and other situations that it felt jumbled and like we were hoping from one scenario to the next.  It just happened to be too much drama for me.

While this book wasn't a hole-in-one (sorry I couldn't help it), I still enjoyed it and will most likely read the next book in the series. 

Audio Review of Rebel Heart (Dust Lands, #2) by Moira Young

Title: Rebel Heart (Dust Lands, #2)
Author: Moira Young
Narrator: Heather Lind
Published by: Simon & Schuster Audio     
Length: 11 hours and 22 mins
Source: Simon & Schuster Audio
Format: Audio
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.

Moira Young takes you on a wild ride with Rebel Heart.  Packed with action, deceit, and a bit of romance, it's the prefect recipe for a bestseller. 

Saba is a complicated lady.  Sure when the 'red hot' gets a rollin', she's undefeatable (I know this is not an official word but I think it describes Saba best) and a force to be reckoned with, but lately she seems to be losing a bit of herself.  Her past haunts her and her future seems bleak.  It doesn't help that Lugh is always on her case.  Seriously what is with him?  I haven't met a character I have disliked as much as I dislike him.  I think he's rude, degrading, and doesn't deserve the respect  he seems to be commanding from everyone around him.  Besides Lugh, all the rest of the characters come to life in Rebel Heart.  It shows a more vulnerable side to each of them and instead of always being the fierce fighters, we get to see their flaws making them that much more real.

What a twisted adventure Rebel Heart turned out to be.  You'll be guessing at every turn what is going to happen next, while constantly questioning who are the 'good guys' and who are the 'bad ones.'  While the story started out a little slow, it gradually built steam and became impossible to put down.  I just had to figure out not only people's actions but the motives behind these actions as well. 

Heather Lind was a wonderful narrator and I think listening to this novel would be so much easier than reading it because of all the dialect.  Moira Young writes phonetically as these characters would talk so I know that is hard for some people to read (me included).  Don't miss this wonderful series because of that though, just listen to the audio.  You will be amazed at how good it is as well as be highly entertained. 

Review of Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Title: Jennifer Echols
Author: Jennifer Echols
Published by: MTV Books
Pages: 292
Source: Won
Format: Paperback
Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four-year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. Feeling like her life is about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon. But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all--the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug--of all people-- suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them?

Romantic teen drama at its finest. 

Who doesn't love the plot of the bad boy falling for the good girl?  Maybe it's the idea of opposites attract or of trying to reform a "lost cause" but I've always been attracted to the idea of a bad boy and Doug is my perfect kind of bad boy. 

The characters is this story seem a bit naive and at times clueless.  Zoey tries to be perfect, but her life is falling apart.  Instead of facing her issues she holds onto her perception of reality which ends up making her life that much more difficult.  As much as I liked the characters, I had trouble relating to them fully.  At times I connected instantly and then something would come up and I started to be unsure of their intentions.  Nothing is really as it seems in this novel including the characters. 

Besides the relationship drama, Zoey and her family were also going through an intense period.  Jennifer Echols didn't shy away from the difficult (and at times awkward) situations that happen too often in real life.  I thought this added a depth to the novel that is often missing in teen romance.  However, with so much happening in Zoey's life, I felt the novel was rushed at times.  Sometimes we seemed to go from one extreme to another without getting the time to process what had just happened.  This did keep the novel moving though, as it was impossible to put down because you just had to know what happened next and what it all means.

This was my first Jennifer Echols novel and definitely won't be my last. 

 

With all the wonderful "bad boy novels" out there, which is your favorite bad boy?

Audio Review of The Doula by Bridget Boland

Title: The Doula
Author: Bridget Boland
Narrator: Madeleine Maby
Published by: Simon & Schuster Audio
Length: 10hrs 35min
Source: Publisher
Format: Audio
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Raised in a funeral home, Caroline Connors saw her mother miscarry when she was just a young girl and realized that she had a calling. Unlike her family, who guide souls on their way out, Caro chose to bring them in. As a doula, Caro spent years providing comfort and emotional support to women in labor, but when her best friend, Mary Grace, experiences complications, she makes a quick decision, taking the baby’s life into her hands as her lifelong friend passes away. Now, charged with medical malpractice by Mary Grace’s husband, Caro must endure a trial that threatens her professional future, questions her identity as a doula and friend, and forces her to confront a dark past that she’s been hiding from for years.

Raw, soul-seeking and poignant; The Doula will stay with you long after you've set it down.

Caroline's life was finally getting back on track after years of bumps and obstacles when Mary Grace asks her to move to Milwaukee to help with the birth of her child. Caro packs everything and starts her new life over.  While I has some trouble with certain decisions Caro made, I still think she was a very realistic character.  She doesn't live a charmed life and, in fact, had a pretty dramatic and scaring childhood that has affected many of her life choices.  This definitely shaped her life and maybe the flaws make her more beautiful and real. 

I love that the setting takes place in my city.  It made me feel more connected to the story and helped me visualize everything in more detail.  The story itself was filled with hope and pain.  Child birth is a very personal experience and many people have passionate feelings about how they want their children brought into this world.  I loved that Bridget Boland explored them all, from the formal hospital, to a birthing center, to a spiritual/commune-type location.  It was so interesting learning how each doctor/midwife had their own style and feel to them.  It opened my eyes to all the different options pregnant women have depending on their styles and comforts. 

As for the lawsuit against Caro, it brings up emotions and past circumstances that many people don't want to face.  Mary Grace's husband was completely ridiculous.  I didn't like him from the first time he was introduced in the story all the way through the end.  I thought he was a jerk and that Mary Grace deserved someone better than him.  The one thing that bothered me with the trial is that all the blame was all pushed on Mary Grace.  Especially after events that happen later in the story I think the hospital should have been investigated in greater detail in accordance to Mary Grace's death and her daughter's birthing complications.  I thought something was definately suspect with the hospital and yet it seemed nothing fell on the doctors or nurses. 

While listening to the audio I immediately recognized the narrator's voice.  I had just finished another book that she narrates where she is a teenager, so it took me a couple of chapters to fit her voice into this new role.  But after that was figured out, the narration was wonderful.  I felt she really captured who Caro was and her struggling emotions through the entire ordeal. 

The Doula is a novel that unexpectedly touched me and I think it will be one that I re-read often in future years. 

Audio Review of The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Title: The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus #2)
Author: Rick Riordan
Narrator: Joshua Swanson
Published by: Listening Library
Length: 11 sound discs (ca. 74 min. each)
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem—when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no.

Franz is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes, but his bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely—enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Yea Percy is back!  I always get a bit sad when a series ends so the fact that Rick Riordan brought back one of my favorite characters in his spin off series makes me so happy. 

The Son of Neptune follows Percy, Hazel and Frank on their quest to free death.  These characters are fun and easy to enjoy.  They are not perfect or completely courageous which makes them real and so much more relateable.  I love the fact that even though they are demi-gods they still seem down to earth and go through some of the same doubts we do.  While I enjoyed these characters I didn't feel as connected to them as I was hoping.  I like them and wanted them to succeed, but they didn't steal my heart like Rick Riordan's characters usually do. 

Percy, Hazel and Frank have some tough legacies to live up to and at times the pressure can get to them, but by banding together they can fight through anything and fight they must.  This novel is jam-packed with action and fight scenes.  It's an exciting adventure and with twists, turns, and new discoveries on every page. 

It has been a while since I read The Lost Hero so I was super confused at the beginning of this book.  From what I remembered of the first book, The Son of Neptune didn't really seem to continue the story.  I'm not sure if this is an artifact from the time gap between reading these novels or if they are just two different stories that eventually merge into one.  After a good way through the audio it was evident that the latter was the case as more talk of the "Prophecy of the Seven" emerged. 

Overall, I enjoyed this audio version of the book and the narrator was great (as he always is), but something was lacking for me compared to Rick Riordan's other books.  Hopefully everything will come together more in the next novel in the series, The Mark of Athena. 

Audio Review of Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Title: Burn for Burn
Authors: Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
Narrators: Joy Osmanski, Madeleine Maby, and Rebekkah Ros
Published by: Simon & Schuster Audio
Length: 7 discs
Source: Publisher
Format: Audio
Rating: 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  Postcard-perfect Jar Island is home to charming tourist shops, pristine beaches, amazing oceanfront homes—and three girls secretly plotting revenge.

KAT is sick and tired of being bullied by her former best friend.

LILLIA has always looked out for her little sister, so when she discovers that one of her guy friends has been secretly hooking up with her, she’s going to put a stop to it.

MARY is perpetually haunted by a traumatic event from years past, and the boy who’s responsible has yet to get what’s coming to him.

None of the girls can act on their revenge fantasies alone without being suspected. But together…anything is possible.

With an unlikely alliance in place, there will be no more “I wish I’d said…” or “If I could go back and do things differently...” These girls will show Jar Island that revenge is a dish best enjoyed together.

We've all done it.  As much as it's hard to admit, we all have a dark side that seeks revenge every once in a while.  Sure for the normal person it is just a passing thought, or maybe even a silent hope that karma will come through, but not for Kat, Lillia, and Mary.  They've been burned and they want revenge.

These three lovely ladies couldn't be more different or more unlikely to band together and plot revenge against those who have wronged them.  I absolutely loved these girls.  They were so unique and complete opposites that they seemed to only enhance each other's characters.  Kat is a bit rough around the edges and sometimes dangerous, but is tormented by her ex-bestie who happens to be Lillia's  current bestie.  Lillia is the sweet princess, but when Alex starts messing around with her little sister she's willing to get down and dirty.  Mary is the shadow no one sees, but is still scarred from past events with the glory boy of the high school. 

The story had alternating point of views between Kat, Lillia and Mary and there was a different narrator for each girl.  Joy Osmanski, Madeleine Maby, and Rebekkah Ros were wonderful and fit each character's personality spot on.  This made it easy to keep track of whose point of view we were hearing because of the different voices.  I was also amazed at how well the two authors "voices" blended together.  It was seamless.     

The plot was a thick and complicated tangled web of revenge.  At first you are right there with these girls wanting blood from their enemies, but as the story progresses doubt starts to creep in.  Do these bullies really deserve what's coming to them?  One event after another will sway your opinion and leave you unsure of what's warranted and what's not.

I absolutely adored this audio version of Burn for Burn.  Between the great characters, and the catchy storyline it was hard not to.  There is a subtle paranormal aspect, but so subtle you don't even notice it until the end.  Speaking of the end it was killer and left me highly anticipating the next book.  

Burn for Burn is one very dramalicious read! Between the girl's scheming and the typical high school antics, it's a fun read that you will devour and leave you craving for more.   

Review of Switched by Amanda Hocking

Title: Switched
Author: Amanda Hocking
Narrator: Therese Plummer
Published by: Brilliance Audio
Length: 8 sound discs (8 hr., 49 min.)

Source: Libary
Format: Audio
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She's not the person she's always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel all because of Finn Holmes. Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken...though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she'd ever admit. But it isn't long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth and he's come to take her home. Now Wendy's about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that's both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she's meant to become...

Do you ever read a novel and have mixed feelings about the whole thing?  Switched had me all over the board with my emotions.  I loved the uniqueness of the novel and I loved the plot, however I couldn't stand the main character, Wendy, and the vagueness at time drove me nuts.     

Wendy is not only a changeling switched at birth with a human child, but she is also a troll (more commonly called Trylle).  This is my first troll story and while I may have had preconceived notions about trolls (ugly, hairy feet, short and lumpy), they are not at all what I expected.  In fact, they are gorgeous and most have some sort of magical power.  I tried to like Wendy, I really did and there was a moment or two in the middle of the story when I was warming up to her and then she'd blow it again.  Wendy is the type of person who depends on others too much.  She depends on them to do her work, to teach her, to defend her.  I want my heroines to be fierce and to not sit on the sidelines and watch.  Ugh. 

The story itself was wonderful.  While it had elements of other common themes, Amanda Hocking took them and made them her own.  It was exciting, adventurous, a bit scandalous and fun.  I loved learning about the Trylle world and well I felt they kept Wendy in the dark a lot (but then expected her to know everything) it was still interesting to see her fumble her way through her new position.  

I did enjoy listening to this book.  Sometimes when listening to an audio book where the main character is a teenage girl her voice can either sound too young, or too "valley girl."  Therese Plummer had a nice mix of sounding not to young, but also not too grown up.  Plus the audio book gives you this extra story at the end, so it's kind of like getting a two for one deal.  How cool. 

Because I enjoyed the story and i really liked some of the other characters in this novel, I think I will read the next in the series.  However, I hope Wendy goes through some bootcamp or something and gets her act together.       

Review of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Narrator: Kate Rudd
Published by: Brilliance Audio
Length: 6 sound discs (7 hr., 19 min.)
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

Seriously, how does John Green amaze me every single time? 

Like the rest of John Green's novels, The Fault in Our Stars was phenomenal.  This story is so much more than a girl battling Cancer; it's about the epic and sometimes ironic adventures of life.  It's about finding happiness in the darkest of times and leaving your mark on the universe.  Is it sad?  Sure, once I was actually crying so hard I had to pull over and stop the cd for a while.  (They should put some warning labels on these audio books!) But again, the whole novel is not sad and tragic; instead the sad parts highlight the rest of the story and makes it that much sweeter.

Hazel and Augustus are two characters that will easily enter your life and make a lasting impression.  In fact, all the characters in The Fault in Our Stars had so much depth and dimension that the story easily came to life.  Hazel, Augustus, their family and friends have an inner strength that could rival any Marvel superhero.  They haven't lived the easiest of lives, but that didn't stop them from having a life, falling in love, and dealing with not only the death of loved ones, but also the guilt of survival and health. 

I can't pinpoint exactly what makes John Green's novels shine the way they do, but I believe it has to do with his writing.  He is a master of language and verbal sparring.  He has an extensive vocabulary and puts words together in such a flawless way that I'm in awe of the writing before I even fall in love with the story. 

This is the first novel that I have listen to with Kate Rudd as the narrator and I look forward to listening to more in the future.  She portrayed so many different emotions in such a way that I almost feel I got more out of listening to the book than by reading it.  This is what makes a truly great audio book in my eyes.  Phenomenal story and great audio version...you can't go wrong with that combination.

Review of Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

Title: Deadlocked (Sookie Stackhouse #12)
Author: Charlaine Harris
Narrator: Johanna Parker
Published by: Recorded Books Inc.
Length: 8 sound discs (9 hr., 30 min.)
Source: Libary
Format: Audio
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  With Felipe de Castro, the Vampire King of Louisiana (and Arkansas and Nevada), in town, it’s the worst possible time for a body to show up in Eric Northman’s front yard—especially the body of a woman whose blood he just drank.

Now, it’s up to Sookie and Bill, the official Area Five investigator, to solve the murder. Sookie thinks that, at least this time, the dead girl’s fate has nothing to do with her. But she is wrong. She has an enemy, one far more devious than she would ever suspect, who’s out to make Sookie’s world come crashing down.

Sookie, Sookie, Sookie...we are on the 12th book and people are still trying to kill you.  Don't get me wrong, I love this series.  I've read and listened to all the books, however, they are all starting to sound the same. 

After Sookie is summoned to Eric's house to entertain Felipe de Castro, all hell brakes loose when they find a dead girl on Eric's front lawn.  After the last book I expected the wrath of Felipe de Castro to be a little more terrifying.  He is supposed to be this big bad vamp and yet a lot of the book didn't focus on that.  In fact, it didn't focus much on vampires at all much to my disappointment.  I wanted some quality Eric time and this book didn't deliver that, instead it focused mostly on Sookie.

Sookie is her typical self; a little flighty, quick tempered, and forced into awkward and dangerous situations.  However, she does seems to be doing a little soul searching in this novel.  She looks over her life and all the things and people in it.  I think this may be leading up into the big decision that the next (and last) book in the series will hold.  Who does Sookie really belong with? Eric, Bill, Sam, Alcide or someone completely new and human? 

The plot was pretty much the same as all the rest of the books in the series.  Though the ending does bring a bit of a surprise that I wasn't expecting.  Overall, I felt like this book was pretty much setting up everything for the final installment of the series.  It wrapped up a couple of loose ends and set up some decisions Sookie will have to make about her life. 

Even with its predictability and typicality's it was still a fun book to listen to.  I enjoyed listening to Johanna Parker read as Sookie.  I know she's narrated some Meg Cabot and Jennifer Weiner books, but to me she will always be Sookie. 

Review of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Narrator: Kate Simses
Published by:  Harper Audio
Length: 9 hr., 12 min.
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: "You can't touch me," I whisper.

I'm lying, is what I don't tell him.

He can touch me, is what I'll never tell him.

But things happen when people touch me.

Strange things.

Bad things.

No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon.

But Juliette has plans of her own.

After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.

I'm a little late to the game in reading Shatter Me.  Everyone ranted and raved about it so I knew I eventually had to read it, but I was scared with all the hype surrounding it I would be disappointed.  I have to admit it took me awhile, in fact almost the whole book, to get why everyone loved it so much and then the ending came and I understood. 

Juliette is a complex character.  She's so lonely and heart-broken.  Her touch is deadly and after an incident in a grocery story she was locked up in a "mental asylum" and essentially left to die.  I feel so bad for her.  I think it would be horrible to never touch another person, to feel the comfort of a hug or the passion of a kiss.  Juliette craves the company of others but never really had the chance to interact with them.  She kept herself separated for fear of hurting others and her parents isolated and ignored her.  Talk about an intriguing psychological profile...Juliette is more than a little scarred from her ability. 

Because of Juliette's "gift," The Reestablishment tries to use her as a weapon.  This plot seemed similar to many other novels.  Find someone with a gift and use them for the evil people's agenda, throw in a cute guy, and a creepy, conniving leader and the story is complete...up until the ending.  Oh, the ending.  It is perfect and I am so excited about it.  This for me is what made the book.  If Tahereh Mafi would have stopped the novel 100 pages earlier I wouldn't have been that fond of it, but she didn't and I thank her a million times for that.    

This was one of the more interesting novels I've listened to on audio.   Kate Simses had a bit of a younger and softer voice than I imaged by looking at the girl on the cover of the novel, but the voice fit Juliette.  I think there is a bit of a disconnect about how I viewed Juliette and the fierce looking chick on the cover.  Anyways back to the audio.  They did this really cool thing where every time Juliette "scratched out" a word in the story, the audio made the sound of a pencil scratching out the word on a piece of paper.  It was such a small addition but really aided to the enjoyment of the audio.  It was a great sound affect.

While the beginning started off a bit slow for me the ending definitely made up for it!

Review of Hammered by Kevin Hearne

Title: Hammered (Iron Druid Chronicles #3)
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Author: Kevin Hearne
Published by: Brilliance Audio
Length: 10 hours
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is worse than a blowhard and a bully — he’s ruined countless lives and killed scores of innocents. After centuries, Viking vampire Leif Helgarson is ready to get his vengeance, and he’s asked his friend Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, to help take down this Norse nightmare. One survival strategy has worked for Atticus for more than two thousand years: stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. But things are heating up in Atticus’s home base of Tempe, Arizona. There’s a vampire turf war brewing, and Russian demon hunters who call themselves the Hammers of God are running rampant. Despite multiple warnings and portents of dire consequences, Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plane of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer - wielding Thunder Thug himself.

There is never a dull moment in an Iron Druid Chronicles novel.  They are packed with action, adventure and tons of mythology.

Atticus is back and this time it's his mission to kill Thor.  I'm not quite sure why Atticus promised Leif he would do this.  It's a dangerous mission and while Thor is a complete number one jerk, Atticus has no personal issues with him.  As we got to know each of Atticus's companions and their reasons for wanting to kill Thor, I was right along with them.  It wasn't enough that I wanted his head on a silver platter, I wanted his death to hurt.  He was a horrible man and I'm happy that this unlikely, but lovable crew came together to plot his demise. 

While this book had tons of action and fighting it was lacking some of the light-heartedness of the other novels.  No matter how dire things got, there was usually some comic relief, but not so much in Hammered.  I missed Oberon, the widow, and some of the other characters who kept things fun and lively. 

The narrator, Luke Daniels, did an exceptional job as always.  I seriously could listen to this guy read books to me all day long.  He does a wide range of voices for each character and puts so much expression into his tones that it makes it quite enjoyable to listen to.  If you are new to audio books or just looking for a great narrator try Luke Daniels.  You won't be sorry.

While this wasn't my favorite book in the series, it was still a great read and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. 

Review of Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Title: Pandemonium (Delirium #2)
Author: Lauren Oliver
Narrator: Sarah Drew
Published by: Random House/Listening Library
Length: 9 sound discs (ca. 72 min. each)
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: I'm pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

Stunned, shocked, and hopeful are just a few emotions you will experience as you journey through Lena's new life.  Delirium left readers emotional drained and curious to see what would happen next.  Does Pandemonium deliver?  In my opinion...yes.  Lauren Oliver has so much talent not only in the premise behind the novel, but also in her writing.  It is quite beautiful and captivating. 

As for the characters, Lena finds her strength in this novel.  She leaves everything she knows behind and has to forge her own path.  I admire her determination and will to survive.  She is a fighter and will do what it takes to help the Resistance.  You will meet some new characters who add dimension and mystery to the story.  They will burrow into your heart and leave a lasting impression.   

Sarah Drew did a fantastic job narrating Pandemonium and bringing the character of Lena to life.  However, I got confused as the book jumped between now (Lena as she takes part in the Resistance movement in New York) and then (right after Lena escaped the fence).  It took me a while after each change to get used to the setting difference.  I think the alternating times worked for this novel as it kept people wondering about multiple things at once.  There was never a dull moment and it kept the readers wanting to read more. 

Just like Delirium, Pandemonium ends with a bang.  I, personally, am not sure how I feel about the ending, but all I can say is the next book will sure be interesting. 

Review of Hexed by Kevin Hearne

Title: Hexed (Iron Druid Chronicles #2)
Author: Kevin Hearne
Narrator: Luke Daniels
Published by: Brilliance Audio
Length: 9 hours
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor’s rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.

Atticus and friends are back in another action packed, sword yielding, enemy killing, installment of the Iron Druid Chronicles. 

Atticus's life never slows down, especially now that he's killed Aenghus Og.  He's got friends calling in favors, fallen Angels to kill and a new coven of witches trying to kill him.  To me Atticus seemed a bit younger in this book than in Hounded.  In Hounded, Atticus really thought carefully about every situation and showed the wisdom and restraint of his 21 centuries old self.  However, in Hexed he was a bit more rash and compulsive.  Shouldn't he have grown out of that stage by now.  I felt he should have been a bit more patient.  The book talks about how he was in hiding for so long, and that it took him centuries to connect his charm necklace to his aura and so on, that I think he could have taken a couple of minutes to step back and assess some of the situations.  Especially when it came to those new witches.

The new characters introduced in Hexed are out for blood and a piece of the old druid himself.  Atticus is constantly in battle almost to the point it seems routine.  This is something that didn't sit well with me.  I felt that Atticus went from one death-defying battle to the next without much in between.  I would have liked to see more of a connection between Atticus and his friends, especially Oberon.  Though of the battle scenes they were brutal to all parties involved.  Good thing Atticus can heal himself with the power of the earth or he would have been hospital bound a long time ago.

Luke Daniels did an amazing job reading each of the character in Hexed.   I especially love his voice for Oberon and it is exactly like I imaged a dog's voice would be.  I enjoy that he uses distinct tones for each character as it is easier to keep track of everyone.  He's easy to follow and keeps the story interesting. 

I  enjoyed the audio version of the Hexed and I can't wait to listen to Hammered.   

Review of The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Title: The Lucky One
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Narrator: John Bedford Lloyd
Published by: Hachette Audio
Length: 9 sound discs (ca. 10.5 hr.)
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Is there really such thing as a lucky charm? The hero of Nicholas Sparks's new novel believes he's found one in the form of a photograph of a smiling woman he's never met, but who he comes to believe holds the key to his destiny. The chain of events that leads to him possessing the photograph and finding the woman pictured in it is the stuff of love stories only a master such as Sparks can write.

I have a confession.  I read this book only because I wanted to see the movie...umm hello did you see Zac Efron...let's just say someone isn't in high school anymore. 

Anyway I used to read a lot of Nicholas Sparks novels but after awhile they all started sounding the same to me.  I would actually get them confused myself when I would talk to people about them.  So how did The Lucky One hold up?  It was ok, but it still felt formulated and like something I read before.  What a complete and utter jerk.  Throughout the story there was good character development and Logan and Elizabeth seemed to have some chemistry.  Their interactions where a bit awkward at first, but it was the cute kind of awkward of two people who are attracted to each other and are just getting to know one another.  I like that Logan was respectful of others, but still held his own ground and refused to be walked over.  He was also great with Elizabeth's son and let him just be who he was.  I think this is a great quality in a guy that he accepts children for who they are instead of trying to change them.  My favorite character was Zeus who was great.  I only wish I had a dog that well behaved and trained.

The narrator of this novel, John Bedford Lloyd, had a very pleasant voice.  It was deep, a bit rough and slightly southern.  Of course the whole time I listened to this novel I was picturing Zac and to me the voice didn't fit him, but that is my fault for already putting a face to a character. 

While this book had some good elements it wasn't my favorite, though I am still excited to see the movie. 

Review of Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Narrators: Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan
Published by: Penguin Audio
Length: 7 CDs, 9 hours
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 3.5 stars

Summary from Goodreads:  What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths--until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

I love stories that are told in alternating points of view.  There is something about knowing both sides of the story that I find extremely intriguing and it gives me a better understanding of who the characters are.

Marie Lu wrote her characters with much depth and personality. Day and June are two characters that will instantly make an impression on you.  Even though Day is a criminal, the first time you meet him you'll know that he isn't a bad person.  He is strong and self-sufficient.  The government may have cast him aside, but he's not working to take them down, instead he's just trying to keep his family safe.  June on the other hand, starts off as a government prodigy who believes in organization and structure.  She's smart, lethal and is out to hunt down Day.  Girl out to kill cute boy...always a favorite storyline in my book.

Dystopian novels are known for their world building.  Legend was no different.  There is a central government who controls it all and there are rebels trying to overthrow them.  While I did enjoy this part of the novel I didn't feel like there was anything that set this world apart from the other Dystopian novels.  I would have liked to see a more unique world. 

The narrators did a wonderful job.  I loved Stephan Kaplan interpretation of Day.  His voice was soothing and smooth.  I think he made Day's personality stand out and gave us the impression he wasn't one of the "bad guys." At first I wasn't sure about Mariel Stearn who read the part of June, but after a while her voice grew on me.  Her pitch seemed kind of young for how advanced June was suppose to be, but then it helped to remind me that June herself was fairly young. 

If you are a fan of Dystopian I would try Legend; especially because the alternating POVs adds so much to the story. 

Review of A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Title: A Discovery of Witches Author: Deborah Harkness
Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda
Published by: Penguin Audio
Length: 20 sound discs (24 hr.)
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Magical, mystical and utterly captivating. A Discovery of Witches is one novel you won't want to miss.

Both Deborah Harkness's words and Jennifer Ikeda voice are spellbinding with beauty and wonder. While this novel is set in modern day Oxford and New York, there is a sense that you are transported back in time to a different world. It may be that Matthew is a centuries old vampire and he gives the novel a timeless feel, but either way you will definitely be transported out of your current location and into this fantastic world.

Even though the title is A Discovery of Witches you will meet many different paranormal characters. Since there are so many characters there is not much character development beyond Diana, Matthew and a few others. However, the world that these characters live in is rich with detail and originality. The buildings themselves are described in great detail, especially Sarah and Em's house which has a mind of its own. The house actually builds more rooms when it knows there will be more visitors. Don't we all wish we had houses like that?

What I really loved about this novel is I felt it covered an area or genre in adult literature that was missing. Sure there are many paranormal romances, but this novel felt more like literary fiction that had paranormal elements than a paranormal book. It was intriguing to take what I normally read about in young adult literature or the fore-mentioned paranormal romances and bring it into adult fiction. I think that Deborah Harkness fill that gap wonderfully.

The audio of this novel was amazing. I had a hard time turning it off and would sit for hours at night just listening to it. It was engaging and the cadence of Jennifer Ikeda voice was perfect. While I did really enjoy this audio it was a long one at 20 cds so make sure you set aside some time or you'll find the dishes not being done and the laundry piling up just get in one more chapter.

   

Review of Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

Title: Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls #6)
Author: Ally Carter
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Published by: Brilliance Audio
Length: 7 sound discs (7 hr., 47 min.)
Source: Library
Rating: 5 stars

Summary of Goodreads: The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan—an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an Alpine convent and discovers that months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie's summer vacation are the bruises on her body and dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.

Seriously, how do you get into Gallagher Academy? I want to go to spy school.

Out of Sight, Out of Time was a great addition to an already wonderful series. I tend to get into a slump on the middle of most long series, but not with this one. It was packed with action and adventure, twists and turns, and of course sweet romance. The novel was more serious than the previous books. This time people are not only trying to capture Cammie, they are trying to kill her and anyone who stands in their way.

Cammie doesn't remember anything from the previous summer and often has these lapses of time where she's not sure where she was or what she was doing. If I was Cammie, I think I would have been very frustrated. She was, but I think I probably would have demanded some type of treatment to get my memory back. I believe she should have been more fiery, but that is not really her personality it’s just me projecting myself onto her. The best thing about these books is the relationship that Cammie and her friends have. They are always there for each other, to the point of dying for one another. I love how they always know what each other are thinking and can often communicate with just looks. That’s what best friends are about.

I have listened to all the books in this series and they are probably some of my favorite audios. The narrator is great and the books work really well on audio. They are so gripping that you want to drive around in the car just so you can listen to one more chapter. If you are thinking about trying out audio books or just looking for some new ones this a great series to listen to.

Review of Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

Title: Why We Broke Up
Author: Daniel Handler
Narrator: Khristine Hvam
Published by: Hachette Audio
Length: 6 hours, 32 minutes
Source: Own
Format: Audio
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Min Green and Ed Slaterton are breaking up, so Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship. Item after item is illustrated and accounted for, and then the box, like a girlfriend, will be dumped.

Original and completely fun.

Why We Broke Up was definitely one of my favorite reads this year.  The concept of the story being a letter from Min as she explains each item she is giving back to Ed was phenomenal. We are reliving their relationship and the reasons they broke up through Min's memories and get to see both the high points and the low points.  I have not read any book like this before and it's originality and creativity were a wonderful change.  The writing was captivating and I had a hard time turning off this audio.  The narrator was excellent and I really felt as if I was listening to Min as she was pouring out her heart in this letter. 

Min is one of those characters that you can't help but like.  She's creative and individualistic.  Of course when the "artsy" girl gets the popular guy you can't help but cheer, but their relationship is not as it always seems.  The one thing I wasn't found of with Min is that she tends to forget all about her friends when she starts seeing Ed.  I don't think she was actually a very good friend.  I also felt she was a bit naive, but I forgive her for both of these because it was the first time she feel in love.   

I, however, wish I got to know more of the characters in this novel.  I think the author could have had more character development in the supporting characters.  You will come to know Ed and Min personally, but there were so many other characters that I wish would have received more depth. 

I did listen to this audio, but I also own the book.  While I do recommend this audio, I also think you should look at the book or the pdf that comes with the audio book because the illustrations are amazing.  I love that you get to see an illustration of every item that is in the box of stuff that Min is giving back to Ed.  The illustrator, Maira Kalman, did a fantastic job.   

Review of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

Title: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Author: Jonathan Safran Foer
Narrators: Jeff Woodman, Barbara Caruso, and Richard Ferrone
Published by: Recorded Books
Length: 10 sound discs (11 hr.)
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 3 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Nine-year-old Oskar Schell is a precocious Francophile who idolizes Stephen Hawking and plays the tambourine extremely well. He's also a boy struggling to come to terms with his father's death in the World Trade Center attacks. As he searches New York City for the lock that fits a mysterious key he left behind, Oskar discovers much more than he could have imagined.

I really wanted to love this book and I defiantly tried, but I just didn't.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book and I liked it, but I wasn't blown away like I thought I'd be. 

This may have something to do with the audio or it may not.  I was often confused while listening to the audio and I felt like things were repeated often.  I'm not sure if this occurred in the book or if I was missing something by listening to it instead of reading it.  The narrators were good and evoked many emotions.  Their voices really seemed to fit each character and helped me to picture them easier.  I was just often confused as the story seemed to jump back and forth. 

I did really enjoy the story.  It was so much more than it says for the description of the book.  Sure it involved the story of Oskar and his search for truth, but there was also the story of his grandparents and of each of the "Blacks" he visited.  I really enjoyed meeting each character and hearing a little bit about them.  I felt there were so many connections between people that were explored in this novel and that made Oskar grow as a person and come closer to finding his own truth. 

The characters were interesting and they all seemed to grow and yet at the same time they also seemed to settle.  (Does that even make sense?)  There were some heart-wrenching moments that invoked deep emotions and there were also some laugh-out-loud moments.  I never knew quite what to expect out of the characters but they were fun to get to know.

Usually I'm a huge audio fan, so I was sad that this one didn't work out for me as well as I hoped.  Maybe someday I'll "re-read" the book and see if my opinions change. 

Review of Virals by Kathy Reichs

Title: Virals
Author: Kathy Reichs
Narrator: Cristin Milioti
Published by: Penguin Audio
Length: 8 sound discs (9 hr., 30 min.)
Source: Library
Format: Audio
Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads: Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.

As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.

Fortunately, they are now more than friends they're a pack. They are Virals

Virals is like no other book I've ever read...er... listened to.  I'm glad I didn't really know what the book was about when I checked it out from the library because Virals is not the typical type of book I read and I probabaly wouldn't have picked it up.  However, I ended up really enjoying it. 

The Virals are a group of friends who end up catching an experimental virus that gives them special powers.  I love this idea; it's kind of a Heros and X-Men mix.  At first Tory and her friends' new abilities were kind of freaky, but as they learned to control their new powers and use them for good I was more on board.  The scenes were really funny as each person dealt with their changing bodies and emotions in different ways. 

Tory and her friends were also great characters.  They each had their own vibe, but meshed really well as a group.  I did, however, wish there was a little more character development.  While I liked these characters, I never felt like I really got to know them or understand them.

The best thing about this novel was definitely the mystery that the Virals had to solve.  There are twists and turns in the plot and you're never quite sure who are the bad guys and who are the good guys.  I was a bit shocked when we found out who was responsible.

The narration of this book was done really well.  It was easy to follow and flowed really well.  I loved how the audio indicated the change from when the Virals were in their normal mode and when they went into their paranormal mode.  It always nice when an audio does something a bit extra to help the readers/listeners out. 

Virals definitely taught me it is worth trying a book outside your normal comfort zone...you just might be pleasantly surprised.