Betrayed - P.C and Kristin Cast (House Of Night #2)

*4.5 stars*

What I forgot to mention in the review of the Marked, is that I absolutely loved Zoes markings. I wish some talented artist would draw her mark and tattoos :) Delicate emerald net... I wish I could pull it off.

Plot continued to surprise me pleasantly (also sometimes not so pleasantly!) At times it did seem slower, than in Marked, but all the things started, get even more confusing twist and seem far from being over. Already the first third of the book made me see the already familiar character so differently, Neferet, Aphrodite. Wow. I can only hold my breath, eyes bulging out, of what could happen next.

What did irk me, was the constant que of guys around Zoe. And it always started with her thoughts, of how the guy is possibly the best looking male on the planet Earth. Seriously? Erik seemed like a ordinary nobody after that and I feel sorry for him. I still like him the best, but sometimes Zoe really made me doubt her, is she worth such a great guy? Apart from this "minor" character flaw, I still liked her. She did her best to stay true to her visions and I liked how she a had a strong sense of self, strong personality.

And hahaha at all of them trying to figure out how to make a bomb threat the most efficient way! Just who are you supposed to call and actually threaten? Hilarious! One of the best qualities of the House of Night series, is the relationship between Zoe and her circle. I just but collapsed, when Damien mouthed how he has just entered a cute-gay-guys heaven. I was so so happy for him. And of course, the twins. "Ditto Twin!" I really hope they will all stay together through all the series, this knowledge only would already make me finish it! On the Chosen!

Marked - P.C. and Kristin Cast (House of Night #1)

*5 stars*

After a really long time finally one paperback! I've gotten so used to ebooks I had forgotten exactly how good it felt! This book didn't make me fall face first into bed and giggle, but it kept me constantly focused with a weird smile on my face.

I have to say, it was really easy to get into this book. I liked Zoey, her humor and sarcasm made me laugh. Zoey reminded me a lot of myself. The ability to completely forget the most important appointment for the day and then conveniently remember it like 2 minutes before. "Oh, hell!" I so agree Zoey :D For once again this take of vampires was new to me. Apparently their existence was a public knowledge and they were even researched by scientists. I also liked the theory (or in that case, the lack of it) how the Trackers chose people and Marked.

The book gets a quick start and Zoey gets thrown in the middle of everything. I feel the need to point how pathetic her perfect family was. John was really a gigantic narrow-minded and hypocritical step-loser. I really liked, how they blew everything over the top and still keeping it believable. But I think that there are families out there like hers, and most definitely like Damiens. He was such a sweet guy, making fun of his own gayness, yet still being so incredibly alone. I really hope he finds someone! I liked Erik as well. It was fun reading everyone squirm every time he came close! Her whole "circle" was awesome! Their loyal and always behind her back ♥

I also really enjoyed how Nix played the central role in the whole story. How she has been the same for the beginning of times, just with different names, choosing special people to carry out assignments. And the Mystery of the Big Bad made me also twitch and want to read even quicker. I even enjoyed the descriptive parts with rituals and circle casting. I could really picture the rooms and Zoey in the midst.

Little update + Half-Blood - Jennifer L. Armentrout (Covenant #1)

Hey guys!
I just wanted to let you know that  I'm sorry for the slow updates! I recently moved into my new university and all that packing and tons of paperwork has taken its toll. I miss reading so much :( But on the bright side, there's and awesome bookshop here, where I had my first book haul! I got Marked, #1 in the House of Night Series by Kristin Cast and The Nosferatu Scrolls by James Becker both for £1!! I already love it here.

*3.5 stars*

Yay! Another book by Jennifer L. Armentrout. Let s just say I m preeeety excited! - the first thought upon receiving the book.
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Let's just say that only about half-way through the book did I get into the action. I felt like the plot was loose and everything felt a bit all over the place. One of the biggest distractions was that I did not like Alex. Instead of being quirky and funny, she came off as pointlessly reckless and just plain rude and ungrateful. I can see how she didn't know how to appreciate all that she has at first, but continuing on being as stupid knowing all the consequences... There wasn't much of a character improvement or development. She really stayed one-dimensional and childish.

On the other hand, I really liked both Caleb and Aiden. Caleb was one of those self denying friends, ready to do anything to make you feel happy if you're sad. The lasts scene was really really heartwarming. And Aiden? I admire his endless patience and willingness to babysit such an selfish troublemaker. I did like the relationship between Aiden and Alex, once again deliciously forbidden. The attraction was there and I could really feel it.

Both, the huge discovery and the character of Seth left me rather nonplussed. I can see how in the future it could be a great line for additional characters and relationships, yet still. Currently it all felt a little discarded.

Sweet Evil - Wendy Higgins (The Sweet Trilogy #1)

*3.5 stars* My emotions after finishing: OK. Done. Next! I liked it. Pretty cover. Nothing more.

Once again I was swayed by all the uber-hype around Sweet Evil.  And I still don't exactly see, why? I really should already know better.Yes, a new turn on all the angel-demon-nephilim is cool and all, but we still need some plot as well, besides an awesome idea.

The Dukes were cool. All high and bossy, treating their Nephilim kids lower than humans. And thats all awesome, for the sake of plot, BUT, that was all. Literally. The world was flattened down due to lack of any emotions. Anna bawling her eyes out and sulking leaves me rather nonplussed. I liked her father as well, but the joyful reunion made me roll my eyes. Really?

At the beginning I liked Anna, the ultimate good girl. In her, good and evil met. Her fathers legacy let her extremely vulnerable to all ind of substances. The story of her developing senses and growing pains sounded for once believable. Her character had so much potential, but still, she came off as emotional, as a 5 year old. It absolutely failed to convey any feelings to me. While reading, I felt as touched as a rock. I lost count how many times she decided to do something and at the next moment already forgot about it. Girl!

And then came Kaidan. I was glued to the book reading the first chapters the met. So much tension, so many possibilities. Gaaah! How did it turn out such a cry fest? At least he managed to downplay all the angst.

Leopard Moon - Jeanette Battista (Moon #1)

Another try for ARR. This time I had a chance to review the Leopard Moon. 

*4 stars * It took me two days to finish. It was compelling and fun, but at times a bit too dragging. A little too much time was spent on various descriptions or just characters wandering and thinking aloud.

From the first chapter on the book looked really promising. The author took time to introduce the characters. It really helped me to get into the story. We are introduced Kess, a were-leopard, who for the past year and half has been running from her family. Or more specifically, her brother. Sek was a wonderful villain. He was so obsessed with his ideas, he ceased to believe in everything else. It was almost sad. There really was no chance for him. For some reason I enjoyed seeing him combine his almost child-like belief and calculating clan-leader moves.

I've read plenty of other shapeshifter stories, but I've never run across were-leopards or were-bears for example.The tension between species and were wars were a refreshing change for a werewolf VS a vampire.

The wolves were sweet. Even though each and every one of them seemed to be huge and hot and perfect. They were so carefree, fooling around and keeping together. Like a wolf-pack. Almost the exact opposite to Kess's feline family. I really like that the author decided to play on the polar differences and preferences of cats and "dogs".

I was so glad, that for once there was no love triangle. I've almost tarted to think, that a good romance needs a condemned third wheel. The romance was clean and simple. Both had tried dating, but hadn't clicked well with anyone yet. It wasn't a marriage at first sight. It seemed natural, not forced. Finn with his inability to stay away from females and his special restrictions in the Barn made it hilarious. Big hugs to Finn. He's such a sweetheart.

The telling point was also done well. It shifted between different characters, yet always staying in third-persons view. I've recently run across only first-person stories. This book made me discover, I actually prefer that type of narrative. First person view might help you to better identify with the heroine, but the third person made the whole story flow more easily.I'm tired of endless inner monologues on theme "should I leave or should I stay?"