Book Review: Lark (Lark Trilogy Book 1) by Erica Cope

Title: Lark
Author: Erica Cope
Series: Lark #1
Pages: 314
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

The last time she checked, Mia Carrington was pretty sure that she was a normal girl with a completely ordinary life.

She goes to high school, has a crush on the gorgeous and mysterious new boy in town, and has strange dreams that she can’t help but feel are real somehow.

Okay, so maybe she’s not all that normal after all.

A freak accident changes Mia’s life forever when she is thrown into another world and left to deal with the revelation that she is the daughter of the King of the Light Elves. Throw in an ominous prophecy predicting that Mia will break a curse unleashing the Dark Elves on the world and well, things don’t look too good.

There is danger lurking at every corner in this strange world and Mia isn’t sure who she can trust…

The only thing she is certain of is that the Dark Elves know about her, and they will stop at nothing until they have her.

Mia is ready for her senior year! She has a job she likes, does well in school, and was even voted cheerleading captain. In addition to all of that, she met Grey. He seems to pay attention to no one else, but her. They even both work at the movie theater together. Despite this, Grey insists that they are good friends. Mia cannot help but wonder, "What if?" She thinks she knows Grey so well, but after an accident that should have resulted in a trip to the hospital, she learns that there is much more to him than meets the eye.

It turns out, that the world is a lot bigger, and dangerous than Mia realized. Her biological father that ran out on her mother before Mia was born, finally comes back into the picture. Turns out he is actually an elf king! As if things couldn't get any crazier, turns out Mia could be part of an ancient prophecy that could result in the dark elves being able to escape the underworld. Wow, no pressure right?

I really enjoyed Lark! The plot of this book is actually very similar to Amanda Hocking's Trylle trilogy. The same kind of stuff happens, but I think that Cope is actually going to take a different route in the rest of the series. Just because they are similar, does not mean that Lark is not worth reading! I loved the Trylle trilogy, and think that Lark is just as good!! Mia is a very relatable character. She describes herself as somewhat of an introvert that loves to read. I mean how can that not be relatable?

"We both know that the movie theater is probably number two on the avid reader's dream job list, number one being the library, of course."

"I'm pretty certain Senior-itis does in fact exist and that the disease is currently running rampant through my veins."

"This Jacoby character, regardless of how dreamy he may appear, is aiding and abetting my captivity. Not exactly the kind of guy you want to bring home to meet mom."

Book Review: Found (The Crescent Chronicles Book 3) by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Title: Found
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Series: Crescent Chronicles #3
Pages: 234
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Levi might be hot, strong, and have a cool set of wings, but it's not enough to make up for keeping Allie in the dark.

Allie's tired of being left with more questions than answers. She's tired of loving a guy who refuses to level with her. Most of all, she's tired of her life spinning out of control.

Desperate to save Jess no matter the personal cost, Allie has to face the possibility that the only one she can trust is herself.

Allie's story continues and is filled with just as many twists as ever. Not only does Ivy have the awesome dialogue down, but she is also good with creating some shock factors. There were places that the plot went that I would not have ever expected. Ivy has created a very interesting world, and she must have thought so to, because she is not stopping here! Although Found is the last book in the Crescent Chronicles, she has actually used that same world, and some of the same characters in two new book series. Both the Empire Chronicles and the Allure Chronicles take place in a world with the underground society. I also think that the society will actually be expanded upon and hopefully more shifters will be introduced in the two newer series.

Yes, here I am talking about the new series, so I'll go ahead and get back to the book that I actually just finished. So, Found takes place where Focus left off. I actually pictured the story unfolding one way, but I was very surprised to actually see the story go in a different direction. This was not a bad thing, the little twists the story had were pretty entertaining. Despite writing more books in the same world, the actual Crescent Chronicles was wrapped up very nicely. Ivy did a great job on this series and I am so glad she decided to write more books involving some of the characters I came to know and love!

"You are a very threatening princess."

"Be careful or I'll beat you up with my tiara."

Book Review: Focus (The Crescent Chronicles Book 2) by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Title: Focus
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Series: Crescent Chronicles #2
Pages: 387
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Freshman year of college is hard even when you're not tied to the future king of a supernatural society.

Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she's with Levi or not, she's in far too deep to turn back.

 

After what happened towards the end of the first book, Flight, Allie has found herself in way over her head. She is angry and Levi has a lot to make up for. It is actually entertaining to watch his various attempts in achieving her forgiveness. Don't worry though, the book is still full of great sarcasm and one-liners! Also, interestingly enough, we get to know Jared a little better. In addition to that, the crazy girl that Hailey was scared to room with makes an appearance!

I really enjoyed Focus and Ivy didn't let me down, I was still laughing just as much as I did when I read the first book in the series. Just like what I said when I reviewed Flight, I'm almost 100% positive that Ivy loves writing this crazy fun dialogue. There is no way she does not laugh while writing some of these things!!

 "This was one of those non-glamorous parts about college that people never tell you about - worrying that the dilapidated apartment hosting a party would fall apart with you in it."

Book Review: Flight (The Crescent Chronicles Book 1) by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Title: Flight
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Series: Crescent Chronicles #1
Pages: 268
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤

Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

I tend to be a bit sarcastic and excuse my language, a bit of a smart-ass. I am also a somewhat combative person that likes to argue. It's only natural that the characters in books that turn out to be my favorites are the same way. Flight centers around a recent high-school graduate named Allison, or Allie for short. Not only does she have the traits that I just listed, but she has also always made straight A's and has actually been accepted into Princeton. Wanting one fun summer where she can figure things out, she takes a job at her father's newest hotel purchase in New Orleans.

She immediately meets Levi, who could very well be one of the most arrogant guys she has ever met. Despite making a vow to swear off guys for a while, she cannot help but be drawn to Levi. She starts to care for him, but keeps telling herself it is only a summer fling. As she gets closer to Levi and his friends, she learns about things that she had no idea even existed in the first place. She wanted an adventure, but you know the saying "Be careful what you wish for..."

I couldn't help but love Allie, I mean Allison is my middle name after all. She is not afraid to stand up and make snarky comments right back. I'm sure Ivy had a fantastic time coming up with the dialogue in this book! It is so easy to get swept up in the plot and scenery, I mean this book makes me wish that I was down in New Orleans!!

Book Review: The One (Selection Series Book 3) by Kiera Cass

Title: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: Selection Book 3
Pages: 323
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series!

Once again, Cass did not disappoint! And once again I devoured another book by her. I started this series thinking that it would just be okay, but I was shocked to find out that I love it! This series found it's way into my heart and onto my top 10 favorite series ever list! My usual books involve vampires, werewolves, or some other paranormal creature. These books just involved a girl and a guy with some not so normal circumstances.

I don't know what to say about what happens in the book, because I definitely don't want to give anything away. One thing is for sure though, America is just as fierce and brave as ever. She is not afraid to stand up for what she thinks is right, even if that means she will have to face the consequences of her actions. Maxon is one of the sweetest characters I have every met. Some of the things he does and the way he looks at America are so sweet and full of things neither one can articulate. There are so many odds against them, but can they overcome it? Or is Aspen, the rebels, and the king too much?

Book Review: The Elite (Selection Series Book 2) by Kiera Cass

Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: Selection Book 2
Pages: 336
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

The Selection began with thirty-five girls.

Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?

America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

I loved The Selection so much, that after finishing it I quickly picked up The Elite. I spent all day Saturday reading and devoured The Elite in one day! It was just as good as its predecessor. Yes, like some of the reviews I have read, I too found America, Maxon, and even Aspen infuriating in this book. Unlike people who hated this, I loved it! This is what books are all about, making you feel things, and it only made me that more invested in all of them finding happiness.

Right now as I'm writing this, I am already a few chapters into The One, and I literally just finished The Elite! That right there should tell you just how amazing this series is! I am so glad that all three books were out when I started, because I would have went crazy waiting on them to come out!

Book Review: The Selection (Selection Series Book 1) by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: Selection Book 1
Pages: 336
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

The Selection has been on my radar for a while. I have heard good things about it and thought that the back cover sounded pretty interesting. I found a box set for only $21 and thought it was a great deal, so naturally my little book addict self had to purchase it. Once again, so far it was more than just a great deal...it was an awesome deal! I could not put it down and found myself loving every moment the book had to offer.

You may be thinking okay what is this book about then...

Our nation is no more, and instead a young country called Illea stands in its place. In this country there is a caste system, Ones are at the top and Eights are at the bottom. There is a country-wide curfew and there are rules about dating, not only about outside your caste, but just dating in general. America Singer thinks she has everything figured out, she wants to marry Aspen and despite the obstacles in their way, she thinks love can conquer it all.

America is soon swept up in a competition known as the selection. She is one of 35 girls competing for the heart of Illea's Prince. The selection is actually helping her family, but is it what she wants. Can she even imagine actually being a princess?

Call me crazy, but this book actually reminded me of The Hunger Games. Girls fighting for something they want can be just as scary as what Katniss went through (okay that is slightly exaggerated, but it works). There is a boy she has known forever and a boy she is thrust into a competition with (see maybe i'm not so crazy after all!). The difference is this book is focused on America's heart and what she wants, whereas The Hunger Games was focused on survival and taking down a terrible form of government. The selection actually mentions the government of Illea, and this leads me to believe that what is going on in the country may come into play in the other books in the series.

I cannot wait to start in on The Elite, so I can continue on with this amazing tale! I love strong female characters, and America is not afraid to speak her mind. Since day one of the selection, she has refused to let the competition change her. I honestly do not know what will happen, I have my hopes, and am eager to finish America's story!

Book Review: Defiance Rising (The Rising Trilogy Book 1) by Amy Miles

Title: Defiance Rising
Author: Amy Miles
Series: Rising Trilogy Book 1
Pages: 328
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤

Illyria has never known a life without the Rebellion.
Instinct.
Survival.
Nothing else matters…until she ventures out into unknown territory and is faced with an enemy that proves even more fierce and determined than she ever thought.

Bastien is infuriating, dangerous and annoyingly gorgeous. Eamon is familiar, comforting and turning into a man before her eyes. Both want her heart...but she is torn between duty and desire. When her choice affects all of mankind, how can she allow herself to be selfish? There is a power within her that can change everyone’s fate…but she underestimated the most potent force on Earth—love. Illyria must discover if she has the strength to sacrifice her heart to save mankind.

I love it when a book that I got for free turns out to be something that I would have willingly paid for. I get carried away sometimes and will just sit at my computer and buy a ton of free books. Days later, some of the purchases are actually appealing. I consider these appealing free books "little gems" (corny...I know). Defiance Rising by Amy Miles turned out to be one of these.

Post apocalyptic worlds are very popular at the moment, and it is in such a world where Miles chose to tell the story of Illyria. After being raised in the resistance, Illyria has learned to be a warrior. Not only is she skilled with a blade, but she is also very curious and defiant. She does not know much about what the world use to be like before the aliens invaded. Now though, the world is overrun with these aliens, Caldonians, who are hunting down the remaining humans. Illyria was born into the resistance and she wants to defeat the Caldonians, but is it possible? Can her friends defeat a whole army?

This book was amazing!! There were several twists and turns that I was not expecting, and each one had me going "What does this mean? What is going to happen now?" Illyria is such a strong person and endures so much. I know I would have cracked under the pressure, but she truly is a warrior. Miles does a fantastic job of creating these characters with many different sides. The book is only 344 pages, but in that amount of writing, I felt that characters were able to develop and grow.

Bastien has to be my favorite character. There is so much more to him than meets the eye. He is definitely not just the tough handsome guy that everybody sees. Books do not always make me cry, but there were times where I actually started to tear up (the part with the teddy bear, if you read it then you'll understand).

I cannot stress enough just how descriptive Miles' writing is! One review I read actually said all the description was a bad thing, but for me it just made everything seem so real and it was perfect! I highly recommend this book and am so thankful that I came across it!!