Journey to Territory M (Extinction of All Children #2) by L.J. Epps

Its more like 3.5 stars but I still enjoyed it enough to push to 4. The story is still following Emma and her rag tag group trying to force equality throughout the territories. This installment was more real. Emma is still infuriatingly stubborn but she seems to be starting to think about things before acting. 

There is more mystery, more death, more action in this book. If you liked book one you will like book two plus some. It's entertaining, it's exciting, it makes you want to keep reading. The relationships between the characters are developing well. I still don't like the "love triangle" LJ is implying but I get it. It creates drama and jealousy. 

I liked it enough to keep trucking on to book three. I need to know what is going on. Why is craigluy separated from the rest of the nation? Why is it three territories? What happened??? Why is the president such a jerk?!?! Who thinks "yes lets kill babies"?!?!

Thats my take. I think if you've made it this far you HAVE to read book three. Plus it is entertaining. 

I got this book for free from Netgalley to read and give my honest review.

Extinction of All Children - L.J. Epps

I'm undecided how much I like this book but it did catch my attention.  It is very reminiscent of another book with fight to the death game with kids, except that isn't the concept here.  Here it is another tyrannical leader making decisions for the populous that aren't very fair.  Our lead, Emma, is the last child of her territory who just turned 18, there are 3 territories and she lives in the poorest.  Don't worry, I'm not spoiling anything.  She is a strong willed, take nothing from anyone type of chick.  She knows inherently that the situation in her territory is wrong even though they try to brainwash them into thinking its for the best.

Its a quick read and it is interesting.  We follow Emma and her fight against the President.  She meets some new people along the way, many of whom seem to immediately fall for her.  Its the beginnings of teen love triangles, a rebellion, and bringing a family back together.  I think if I was a teen or early 20's I may have been more into it.  I liked it but Emma is so bull headed and young, its frustrating.  She is learning though so I do want to continue the series.  Its 3.5 stars form me but only because I am still deciding if I like Emma enough to deal with her immaturity and the boys just falling at her feet.  It's not really believable for me...yet. 

I will move on to book two because I kind of want to see where the story goes.

I got this book for free from Net Galley to read and give my honest review. (spoiler in the jump)

**SPOILERS**

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon

This is an entertaining story about a couple who gives up their "boring City life" to build a home in a small town.  Except things aren't all what they seem.  They are a normal loving married couple.  Its relatable but sometimes a little much.  I've not built a house from scratch but I've gutted and rebuilt from that.  And while we did it, it was hard!  I cannot imagine two DIYers building a house from bottom up.  No matter how much the wifey knows from her dad. 

Moving on, it was an interesting story.  You have this cute couple, a rogue high schooler, small town gossip, a mystery, oh and a ghost.  I'm not spoiling anything don't worry.  The dynamic between all of the characters was built upon as the story went on.  I like that.  It's not thrown in your face from the start.  You grow and learn with them.  While it was slow at times, and annoying others the story was good.  It got really good as all the pieces started to fit together.  I'm glad I read it and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery with some history, and  a touch of supernatural.

I got this book for free from Net Galley to read and give my honest review. 

The Devil Aspect - Craig Russell

I can't begin to explain how disturbing this story is.  Its fascinating but really delves into the dark recesses of the mind.  We are following Victor Kosarek a Doctor of Psychology in Czechoslovakia before WWII.  He is a brilliant psychologist who is in search of the "Devil Aspect" in his patients.  He had some trying times that led him to yearn to discover what causes such horrible Psychosis. 

He is new at an asylum where the Devil's Six are being held.  They are the worst of the worst.  They have done unspeakable things and cannot be put with common criminals or be released back into society.  Victor is there to pull prove his theory with these exceptionally mad persons. 

It's a story of mystery, murder, supernatural, and a splash of love. It keeps you guessing for the most part but I saw some of it coming from a mile away.  It flips between the asylum and Prague where a detective is trying to find the "Leather Apron".  A mad man who is carrying out horrible crimes against women.  It really was an interesting book but there was a point...a point where we meet Mr. Hobbs where I thought, I am so not sleeping tonight.  It's disturbing but keeps you wanting more. 

I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good mystery suspense all the while hinting at a supernatural element.  Check it out, but I don't recommend reading before bed. 

I got this book for free from NetGalley to read and give my honest review.

SPOILERS

Beyond Meridian - CC Bridges

More like 3.5 stars, not quite 4 because its too short.  I don't even know where to start.  I know I read the description before downloading it but I somehow missed that is was a "romance" M/M.  No issues just caught me off guard at first.  So we are following Raine and Karl.  Raine is a Spacer...he moves cargo.  And Karl needs help getting into "enemy" territory. 

Its Firefly with a two man crew and a really fancy ship.  Its a quick read but its honestly really good.   You want to hate Raine, he's a bastard but he isn't, he has a heart so to say.  Karl seems green but there is something lurking beneath the surface.  He is on a mission to save his friend and needs Raine.  The problem is Raine is a man ho (at least it seems) and Karl is "innocent". 

Together with the amazing ship they are going to save the galaxy, and each other. 

It's written to move quickly but its captivating.  It really does grab your interest.  My only issue is it moves so fast.  I like to see more development in characters and in story.  I like to see the build in the relationship.  But even with that lacking I like Raine and Karl.  It's good.  They are good.  It's...just read it.  Like I said Firefly...plus.

I got this book for free from Netgalley to read and give my honest review.  

SPOILERS

Relic - Alan Dean Foster

This is a beautifully written story about the end of our species.  We have wiped ourselves out.  The great human race reduced to one lonely survivor.  In our rush to inhabit the stars we somehow destroyed it all.  Everything we have worked on for millennia gone in the blink of an eye.  For all of our genius our future selves create a virus that literally cleanses the universe of our presence. 

Don't worry I didn't spoil anything and I won't until you get to the jump.  Throughout this book we follow the musing of Ruslan, the last surviving human.  He was rescued by an alien race from one of our colonies among the stars.  He's become something of a celebrity being the only living specimen of a once great species.  He's fairly old and a bit lonely even among his rescuers.  He yearns to hear another human but the virus made sure that never happens again.  This story hit on every emotion.  Its happy, sad, exciting, scary, you name it I felt it.  But the best part.  The absolute most amazing thing about this story is it gives you hope.  Hope that we learn from our mistakes...and don't kill ourselves off.  I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a new unique story about our future among the stars. 

I received this book for free from NetGalley to read and give my honest review.

Lifel1k3 - Jay Kristoff

Wow.  This is a fascinating coming of age story.  I mean who doesn't want to read about a rebellious teen in a future where we almost destroyed all of life on earth.  That isn't sarcasm, I'm serious.  We are following the life of Eve.  She lives what used to be California but it broke off and is an island now.  She poor and scrappy. She has a cybernetic eye and a memory chip in her head.  She has her gramps, BFF named Lemon, robot sidekick named Cricket , and a robo dog with a real dog brain.  

Its not all what you think.  There are non humans out there.  They look like us but they aren't human.  They are called Lifelikes and they rebelled against their maker.  Don't worry, I didn't spoil anything you don't read in the first few pages.  Imagine that!  You get this much insanity and its only the beginning.  This story is full of adventure, heartbreak, friendship, and betrayal; all with a sci-fi base.  Its a captivating read that has more surprises than I thought possible.  The author did a wonderful job of creating characters you love.  Even with their flaws you love them.  That is why all the twists and turns are such punches in the gut  You are learning along with Eve which makes this story even more intriguing.  All leading up to the final showdown that completely blew my mind, and its only book one.  I would definitely recommend it.

SPOILERS in the  jump

Obscura - Joe Hart

This is a wonderfully written yet disturbing story. In the not so distant future we have reached a tipping point. Our beautiful blue marble is dying. Humanity has no choice but to look for a new home. In addition to this we are plagued by a new disease. It targets young and old, related and unrelated. There is no cure...there is no predicting it but once you have it you are done. Its a slow, tortuous death. Not just for you but for your loved ones who have to watch you slowly forget them...yourself...everything. 

We are following Gillian a Doctor, mother, and now Astronaut who is on the verge of curing this awful disease. She has her own issues and reasons for wanting a cure but when NASA calls upon her she goes...a tad unwillingly but she goes. This book is a total mystery. From the opening pages to the last line. Its a roller coaster of emotion and distrust. There is the dying Earth, the incurable disease, a new technology that could change the future of humanity, and death...lots of death. Its a whodunit wrapped up in a what would you do. And it has space travel so win win win, right?! 

I absolutely loved this book. I was confused, concerned, disturbed, terrified, and happy. The whole gambit of emotions. Just when I thought I knew what to expect something else slapped me in the face. I didn't know who to trust. Half the time I didn't even trust Gillian and it was from her POV. I wanted to love so many of the characters but I just didn't know. The only one I fully trusted was Birk, he was an open book. In a heartbeat I would recommend this book. Anyone who loves a good murder mystery and/or sci-fi should read it. It is by far one of the better near future space travel books I've read, and I've read quite a few. Check it out, you wont be sorry.

SPOILERS in the jump

Nyxia - Scott Reintgen

What an intriguing story!  In the semi-distant future we have expanded into the cosmos.  We have found an amazing new natural resource on an alien planet that will change everything, the problem is the locals don't much like adult humans but they love and respect children.  Solution, send a bunch of poor "kids" into space to harvest this stuff for them.  The catch...oh the catch is they are taking a bunch of you into space but only a few actually get to go down to the planet.  Those that go will have their families taken care of generously, the rest get a consolation prize.

So begins a story of deception, friendship, love, and betrayal.  Emmett, the main character and story teller is a hardened poor kid who makes the list.  The big corp (Babel) is in complete control.  You will fight, ruthlessly, to earn your way to the surface.  People are hurt, people die, enemies are made, and friendships are formed.  The emotions Emmett must endure are a roller-coaster.   Who can he trust?  What is Babel hiding?  Will he ever make it home again to see that moms and pops are actually being taken care of?  The entire story is high energy and stressful.  You want to hate some and love others but who is being real?  You are just are distrustful as Emmett.  This might be a story about a bunch of teens but its relatable to any age.  Its a great read that captures you from the beginning and doesn't let go.  Just when you think you know what Babel is up to something else insane happens.  You experience the lies and deceit with Emmett and the hope as well.  I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi/space travel. 

SPOILERS 







He was supposed to be with Kaya!  They freaking killed Kaya!  I did not see that coming.  Maybe she's alive and Babel is hiding her...wishful thinking.  I mean I like Morning and while I didn't trust her at first, I think she is genuinely interested in Emmett and a good person.  I'm glad the "love" scene wasn't done in more detail.  It always makes me a little uncomfortable when authors go into detail about 1st times or anything sexual between minors.  Yes, we all know it happens but that is not necessary so kudos to this author for glazing over that piece. 

I did not see that ending coming.  I knew Babel had one more thing up their sleeve but to pit two kids against each other TO THE DEATH is insane!  Roathy probably deserved to die but I am so proud of Emmett for taking the high road. For not killing him and actually trying to save him.  It showed immense character development. 

I adored Bilal.  He always sees the best in everyone and everything, even when the world turns against him.  He is a true friend and derserves better than what happened to him.  I hope he comes back somehow or is in one of the pods headed to the surface.

Vademeer is an enigma.  I thought he was a Babel bad guy at first but he is a mentor.  He genuinely cares about Emmett & Kaya when she was alive.  Sure he gets more money if his kids win but he actually cares.  He wasn't just in it for the money.  He mourned Kaya.  He was worried about Emmett and genuinely proud when he made the adult decision, i.e. not killing someone as revenge...even it it was warranted. 

Defoe...I want to think he's bad.  But I just don't think he is.  Something about him says he is different.   Yes he has done, is doing horrible things for Babel, but we get these glimpses of him that make me think he has some good hidden in there.  That he is not just a pawn for this huge corporation.  I could be totally wrong but I swear he cares, slightly, for Emmett and the other kids (well his, not the other team). 

I still do not trust Isadora.  She is crazy.  She is vengeful.  She should NOT be going to Eden.  But she was grandfathered in.  Babel and their games.  Will they ever end?  Can't wait for the rest of this story!

I got this book for free from Blogging for Books to give my honest review.  

Paradox Bound - Peter Clines

Where to begin.  I am always up for a time travel story...excuse HISTORY travel story.  And this one did disappoint.  We are following the life & adventures of Eli Teague.   As a child he sees a mysterious young woman who ran out of fuel on the side of the rode.  She was driving an old Model T, I think.  She was chased off by a man in a mask driving a sports car.  He meets her two more times at different points in his life but she doesn't look to have aged a day.  Being from a small town, this started an interest in who she was and what she was doing.  After his 3rd meeting his life is turned upside down.  It is the beginning of a wild adventure through History. 

This book brings you through various points in American History.  It has these crazy explanations about the American Dream and how we perceive things.  It was hard to put down at times.  I wasn't a huge fan of the final chapters BUT it was still a phenomenal story with amazing characters.  You really do fall in love with Eli and Harry.  They are just so real, so easy to like.  So easy to root for.  It was very creative and well written.  I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes History with a twist. 

SPOILERS


While I don't need a love story, I cannot believe that it ended with them just walking off into the sunset.  At least give me a little peck.  They clearly cared for each other more than just partners.  Especially Eli towards Harry.  The whole book is building up their relationship.  Yes, it could just be friendly but it didn't seem that way to me.  I loved the story but was annoyed with the ending...it fell flat.  Still a great book.

I do kind of hope the story continues.  I don't think it will but I would love to read more about the adventure of Eli and Harry as they skid into various points of history, trying not to muck it up along the way.

I did enjoy how historical figures, real historical figures made appearances.  As soon as James was introduced, I knew who he was.  The description and the explanation that he was a race car driver turned actor...hello JAMES DEAN!  John driving a train was creative.  All of it was creative. 

The faceless men were terrifying.  They are soulless creatures created from what once was man.  The stuff of nightmares.  I also like that the American dream is a tangible thing.  Something that can be stolen.  Something that is alive and evolves with whomever has possession of it.  The idea that our country was formed and successful because of a deal made with an Egyptian God was so cool. 

So many times I wanted to scream at Eli and Harry but they always, always protected each other.  When Eli went to Harry's wedding.  I just sat there smiling the entire time.  It was so cute and heartbreaking. Then when Eli was kidnapped by his former boss, I knew Harry would save him.  Well mostly, he did almost die.  Harry gets shot by a faceless man, nooooo but Eli protected her.  I did want to scream when they let Eli leave and kept Harry.  I know they said with certainty they would meet again but I just was upset.  They are partners, this can't be happening!!!  Eli became his own man, he became rich by getting fired (I loved that part) then he went looking for her.  He went back to hourglass and he found her.  It wasn't the reunion I wanted but it was still awesome! 

If you can't tell I really did like this book!


RAMDOM RAMBLINGS:

September 27, 2017 – Started Reading

September 27, 2017 – 

 5.0% "Best line so far "They weren't as big as some he'd seen in pictures and on film, but those were definitely boobs.""

September 28, 2017 – 

 27.0% "American History, history, history...time travel, time travel, time travel..."They summoned Ptah, the Egyptian god of Creation." wait what?!?!?"

October 2, 2017 – 

 34.0% "So "The Dream" being MIA is the reason our country is going to shit...good to know."

October 5, 2017 – 

 40.0% "She is clearly flirting but made sure to tell him "its Mrs. not Miss" soooooo they are married...right...but in the future...or past...right>?!"

October 25, 2017 – 

 78.0% "I need more of these two...."

November 2, 2017 – 

 81.0% "Ahhhhhhh its little Eli!!!!!!"

November 2, 2017 – 

 85.0% "Was that a Doctor Who reference?!?!"

November 2, 2017 – 

 89.0% "They're the ones that stole it in the first place!!! This is the paradox...right?!?! Eli & Harry are the beginning and the end...right?!?!"

November 3, 2017 – 

 94.0% "OMG that was a Supernatural Reference!!!!"

November 3, 2017 – Finished Reading

City of Miracles - Robert Jackson Bennett

So glad I was finally able to read this book.  It is the final installment of The Divine Cities series.  And like the rest I really did adore this book.  When this all began I thought the series would center around Shara.  While Shara plays an immense roll, I think the series actually mainly revolves around Sigrud.  He is prominent in all 3 books.  Even more so than Shara.  So it wasn't a surprise that book three really centers around him.

He has been hiding in the woods since Voortyashtan and the death of his daughter.  He can't cope with the things he has done.  Unfortunately something happens that draws him out of hiding.  He again loses someone he cares immensely for.  This loss sets in motion the greatest battle between man and god.  The Divine are hard to kill and unknown to everyone they still have a piece of this world.  But it isn't the big baddies we are used to, it is their offspring.  No worries not really a spoiler.  Sigrud has to come to terms with his past to save everyone, the world...Tatyana (Shara's daughter).

I loved this story.  I loved the action, the heartache, the depth of the characters.  We know so much but we are learning more.  Everyone we love makes an appearance along with some newbies that make this the best one yet.  I hate that this series has come to a close but it was a beautiful send off.  I laughed, I cringed, I cried...this time for real and not because it was ending but how everything ends.  It was perfect, happy and sad.  "What's good about sad? It's happy for deep people".  It is a must read for anyone that enjoys fantasy, especially if you've read the first two.

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books to read and give my honest review.

SPOILERS

Since the last book I keep wondering why Sigrud is still the strapping youngish man he has always been.  Haven't like forty years passed between book 1 and 3?  Mulaghesh has clearly aged, Shara too.  What is happening?!  He also can't seem to die.  He has had many many life threatening injuries but somehow he lives...how?  Clearly the mark on his hand has SOMETHING to do with this, right.  So right!  I just love him.  He is broken and beaten but he is a good man in the end.

So they kill Shara in the first ten pages, what?!?  Not what I was  expecting but okay.  But her daughter...where is Taty?!?  I mean the shadow of her comes back at the end but she dies AGAIN and its pretty brutal.  So brutal is changes Taty forever.

I do like how Ivanya is back.  She isn't the spoiled rich girl anymore.  She is a hardened woman.  She is Taty's guardian and has removed herself from society.  She thinks Sigrud is nuts but he grows on her.  She is tough as nails.  I liked the romance between them and was sad with how it had to end.

Taty is so innocent.  She just wants to be a normal girl.  She is in danger because the people (divinity) that killed her mother want her dead too.  Sigrud will protect her at all costs.  She is all he has left of Shara.  Taty has talents no one understands.  I knew she was a Divine Child but the revealing that her and Malwina make up the maimed child floored me.  They are time incarnate.  Taty the future and Malwina the past.  Together too powerful and a threat so the Divinities separated them into two beings.  Taty is amazing.  She matures so much but stays a child.

Nokov is freaking horrifying.  He is the night.  He is EATING the other Divine Children to become a true divinity.  He will bring about the final night because he has been wronged.  He is a brat with power and its scary.

When Sigrud with his mortal wound breaks through to Time (Taty & Malwina merged) and convinces her to stop I was so excited.  He will not let her/them forget who they are.  Taty is Ashara Komayd's daughter and she is good!  But Sigrud it dying.  He accepted his fate and the mark is fading.  He is no longer defying death.  Taty saves him in one last burst of divine energy.  She also disperses the divine spirit into the wind.  Now all people everywhere, not just on the continent have the potential to be divine.  Random strangers are showing signs of miracles, Taty created a whole new world.

Sigrud, although alive no longer has the mark.  He has aged overnight.  He is old and weak.  They make it back to the Dreyling islands to protect Taty from the world.  Its the only place she is safe.  Once he is well enough he goes with Taty to the sea to watch her play with other kids her own age.  She is frolicking and having fun.  She is being a kid.  He is happy.  He leans against the tree and I started tearing up.  When Taty came back to him I knew he was gone but I still cried.  Sigrud is finally at peace.

The Travelers by: Chris Parvone

At least a 4 star book

What can I say but I truly enjoyed this book.  I don't know much about spies or the CIA but I did love the movies True Lies and Mr. & Mrs. Smith so this book was a great fit for me.  We are following the life of a travel writer, Will Rhodes.  Will is a 30 something married writer in the failing printed magazine industry.  He is bored with his life...his wife and makes some very stupid decisions.  I won't spoil it much but because of his wandering, um eye, he gets himself and those he cares about into a messed up situation.  He unknowingly becomes the center point of a massive espionage plot and doesn't know who he can trust.

This book was quite the adventure.  Who can we trust?  Who is the good/bad guy?  Why is this even happening?!?  Its spy thriller on a roller coaster that tries to keep you guessing.  if you read my ramblings I thought I figured it out way early, and I kind of did.  But I think you are supposed to because so much is thrown at you, you start to second guess your guessing just like Will.  We don't know who we can trust but we do know that Will is a genuinely good guy who got caught up in a bad situation.  But if you want to find out more, you are going to have to read the book.  I thought it was a decently written espionage novel.  It had enough action to keep you interested and enough questions to keep you wanting to read more.  I say give it a go. 

SPOILERS



This will be short and sweet.  Oh my God Will keep it in your pants you adulterous bastard!  You are literally sleeping with the enemy.  Your wee wee got you mixed up in some crazy international James Bond stuff.  And what about Chloe?  Yea she has her own secrets but she doesn't deserve this.  She loves you, you idiot! 

I wanted to love and hate Malcolm.  He seems like he wants to be an adulterous bastard but he isn't and his stupid wife goes and sleeps with another enemy.  What is with you people?!!!?  At least both Will and Allison realize their mistakes but still.  Malcolm is actually a pretty good guy.  He is the head of the super secret ACTUAL CIA agency and only wants to keep his people safe.  Including Will even though he is working for the enemy thinking its the CIA.  I am just glad the Will is smart enough to realize Elle and her crew of goons are the actual bad guys and goes rogue.  I wish he would have trusted Mal but I get why he wasn't sure.  I am glad he kind of told Chloe even if she didn't believe him at first. 

I will say I am assuming the guy Will finds in Iceland is the missing ex head of Travelers, Johnathon.  We never find out for sure really find out for sure but when Mal gets the call that he's been spotted its safe to assume they are one in the same.  He goes dark again but it looks like Chloe and Will will be hot on his trail.  I thought it was a fitting ending.  Looks like Mr. Smith is going to join Mrs. Smith as a super spy duo.  At least I hope so. 

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books to read and give an honest review. 

RAMBLINGS:

March 20, 2017 –

page 16

3.57%"Okay, either Will is crazy and thinks every woman wants to f**k him OR he oozes sexy...."

 

March 21, 2017 –

page 34

7.59%"Will's obsession with perfection is disturbing...."

 

March 21, 2017 –

page 39

8.71% "Ugh! Really...guess he takes that whole "different area code" thing seriously..."

April 5, 2017 –

page 45

10.04%"Good lord man! Keep it in your pants!"

April 5, 2017 –

page 79

17.63%"Will, you ducking idiot!"

April 5, 2017 –

page 80

17.86%"Soooo is "Marina" who I think she is...also HOLY CRAP that list...."

 

April 6, 2017 –

page 113

25.22% "This is all very True Lies with a twist...."

April 27, 2017 –

page 164

36.61% "Hmmm maybe not so much true lies...more like Mr. & Mrs. Smith....maybe....still not sure...."

 

May 3, 2017 –

page 239

53.35% "Tell...her...the...TRUTH! Where is my Genie from Aladdin when I need him!?!?!?"

May 15, 2017 –

page 266

59.38% "i feel like will is being duped. Elle isn't with the CIA...they are the bad guys...and Travelers is cover for the good guys...right?!?!!?!?!"

 

The Fifth Petal (The Lace Reader, #2) - Brunonia Barry

So apparently this is book 2.  I didn't know this was book 2 when I requested it.  Don't worry you don't really need to know much of book 1 to follow and enjoy book 2, plus anything referenced from book 1 is explained enough.  This story follows two times, past and present.  Back in Salem in 1989 decedents of the victims of the Salem witch trials try to bless the ground where the atrocity happened. Something goes horribly wrong.   Three women die, one goes insane, and a child is scared for life. 

Flash forward to the present.  The "crazy lady" whom everyone thinks killed her friends back in the day is a suspect in another death.  The child, now an adult, comes home to Salem to help her.  And the Chief of Police tries his hardest to bring the murderer(s) to justice. 

I love the intertwining of the fictional world of "witchcraft" and mystical creatures with the real Salem witch trials.  It is a gripping story that keeps you guessing until the end.  Who did it?!?  Is there really a Banshee?  Is witchcraft real?  Why can't Cassie just have a happy life?  Is Rose really crazy?  Is Rafferty biased?  What's up with Towner?  I don't trust Emily, Anne, or Marta...Paul is sketchy too!  I mean seriously the who done it is strong with this one.

I love the retelling of the 1989 case through memories surfacing in Cassie.  It is an interesting way to see such a horrible day...through the eyes of a child who witnessed it, among other things.  We also see things from other people's POV including the police chief.  It makes you question reality.  Who is capable of murder?  Do things we consider myths have some base in reality?   How else do you explain the mysterious cerebral hemorrhage?  Honestly its a bit of a mind _ _ _ _ but in a good way.

If you are a fan a mysteries with a hint of supernatural and a dash of romance check this one out.   Seriously, give it a look see I really enjoyed it.  

 

I got this book for free from Blogging for Books to read and give my honest review.

Its a movie about Wars...in the Stars...DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ROGUE ONE

SERIOUSLY DON'T READ ON IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT.  I don't want to ruin the magic for anyone.  Including you!  I even waited 4 days to post this!

I did a thing.  For the first time EVER I went see a movie on opening night.  But not just any movie.  I went to see Rogue One *dance party music* *wookie sounds*.  I know it just came out but Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee I love it so much!  So the original trilogy came out before my time.  Well sort of...two came out before I was born and the 3rd one came out when I was 2...so basically before my time.  BUT my geeky family made sure I saw them...many....MANY times.  I saw the "first three", the "prequels", when I was in college.  I wont talk about them but they are part of the universe so I have seen them a few times each.  Added benefit, Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan...I mean he is nice to look at AND he is awesome so yea.

Moving on, while I didn't see The Force Awakens on opening night last year, we did go see it within the first week.  I almost legit cried.  I was so happy for a New Chapter and it was so good.  So so so good.  Which is why back in October when my friend said "lets rent out a movie tavern theater to see Rogue One" I was like, "Oh f**k yea, I am SOOOOOOOO there!".  If you haven't realized I am purposefully putting filler intro stuff just in case people don't heed my warning!

Alright, here we go...SPOILERS below.

Can't they just have a happily ever after?!?!?!

I meant to post this a while ago....apparently I just saved it and didn't post it...doh!

Sooooooooooooooo 12 Monkeys tried to slowly kill me with frustration.  I didn't realize until last night but the whole season was a slow burn of lethal frustration in an attempt to murder...ME!  Not being dramatic...scouts honor...

Okay, right.  So we have Cole who drove me INSANE in Season 1 with his "must complete the mission at all costs" attitude.  But he changed.  He changed because he realized somethings are more important that the mission.  Somethings like, CASSIE!  But she did the opposite.  In Season 1 she was the heartfelt, caring person.  She knew that its not always about the mission, its about the people.  But she changed.  She changed because she got stuck in the f**king future and slept with Deacon (what?!?!?!) and I dunno went a  little berzerk.

So the entirety of Season 2 I am basically screaming at my TV "OMG stop being mean to each other!  You care about each other!  Remember who you are..." Sorry my inner Mufasa came out.  Granted I wasn't so focused on the messed up Cole/Cassie thing that I missed the rest of this amazing show.

Season 2, like Season 1, was a roller coaster ride of emotion.  I teared up so many times.  The writing for this show is phenomenal.  I felt so many things each week, happy/sad/angry/frustrated/etc. But the season finale last night, that was superb.

SPOILERS

So at the end of last weeks episode we have Cassie FINALLY realizing she is being crazy and going after Cole to 1957.  Its like something clicked and she said "Holy $hit I'm being unreasonable.  Lets compromise." So they are stuck in 1957 for ELEVEN months...surely they've made amends.  Look I don't need romance but they are friends...shouldn't they act like it?!?!?!  But noooooo.  Why would they be mature adults?  Instead they are being mean and lashing out and not listening to each other.  Cole says things that make me cringe (eluding to her "dates" was a low blow), Cassie basically makes him feel inferior and dumb.  STOP!

So they basically have to work together to stop time from unraveling.  Meanwhile Cole stares at Cassie like a love sick puppy and Cassie is just cold...but I think she's being cautious...like I don't think she really hates him (well I know she doesn't...NOW!).  It was just a mess.  So they fail their mission, the Primary dies and Cassie is knocked unconscious...for SIX MONTHS!  In that time he f**king abandons her because "its for the best".  What??!?!  Did you just got all "Doctor Who" on Cassie.  Dammit Cole don't be like the Doctor!!!!!

Moving on.  She finds him...they fight and then they make up!  YAAASSS!  Thank you!!! Then they REALLY make up.  Oh wait, we are going there...okay.  Then she gets pregnant and Oh my gosh, he's so adorable about being a father!  But of f**king course something is still wrong which threatens their happiness.  Meanwhile in 2043 or whatever Ramsey and company are failing miserably at stopping the Witness.  A.K.A. they all f**king die!  What is happening!??!!?  Cole can fix it by "drinking the koolaid".  No really...he can drink the red tea crap and make it right.  So Cole has a decision to make 1) stay in happily ever after land with Cassie and the baby but time still unravels or 2) Go back one more time and actually stop the last Primary from dying which will erase the time line where they fall in love.  *'scuse me while I punch something*. 

So he of course chooses to save the world because he is Cole.  Time resets and Cassie is still weird with him.  They go to the future and help Ramsey and Co. NOT die but still somehow fail.  W....T...F....?!?!!?  Turns out this Witness is a f**king Jedi or something and the city isn't just a city....the whole freaking thing time travels.  Are....you.....serious?!?!!?  Before they all splinter Cassie by some miracle REMEMBERS the aborted timeline.  Yay!!!!!!!  Then she gets stuck splintering with the City...WITHOUT Cole.  G*D F**KING DAMMIT! 

Cole is like "I gots to find my boo" and Doc lady is like "okay, I got you fam".  Flash to WAY in the future.  Cassie is in some weirdo temple and that freaking old dude that looks like a slender man is there.  Ah HA! He IS the Witness.  Hahahahaha jk Mother F**ker.  He isn't.  The witness is Cassie's unborn child.  Fade to black.
 
What....WHAT....WHAAAAAAAAAAAT?!!??! What the hell kind of a...I hate you 12 Monkeys!!!  How is she still pregnant!?!?!?  Or is it somehow Deacon's?!?!?  Dude I may actually punch something if that is true...okay lets pretend I didn't say that.  How is their love child the Witness?!?!?!  Why is their child trying to destroy time?!?!?!  I have so many questions.  Thank GOD we are getting a Season 3.  I would have been SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO angry.

Well damn, Lucifer is HOT!

A sentence I'd never thought I'd say.  Who else watched the Premier of Lucifer on Fox Monday night???  I watched it for two reasons.  One, it came on right after The X-Files and two, its a story about Lucifer getting tired of the BS in Hell and coming to the surface to have some fun.  Wait there is a third reason....Tom Ellis is definitely not bad to look at.  The below will be spoiler-y, you've been warned. 

With that said, I absolutely loved this show.  Usually it takes me a few episodes to really fall for a new series but not this time.  I was a smiling, giggling school girl by the end.  They honestly couldn't have picked a better person to portray Lucifer Morningstar (I laughed every time he said his full name...God given, I'm afraid).   He is witty and devilish with a touch of humanity.  The devil has feelings...that is a whole new way to look at things.

We begin with him being a prick to a police officer and its wonderful.  He can basically make people say what they are thinking...he is manipulative and its a little concerning.  But he has friends.  Like they seem like legit friends who *gasp* care about him and he *double gasp* cares for them... We see in the first few minutes how much he cares for others (I am so going to hell even typing this).  He helps a struggling actress.  She thinks she sold her soul but he assures her he just helped her by putting her in contact with the correct people (what in the what what).  Then she is BRUTALLY murdered while with him.  He recovers, ala Jack Harkness style *gasp* *suddenly alive*, and immediately wants to punish whomever killed his friend.

This puts him in the sights of a detective lady who is immune to his charms.  He has zero affect on her.  She has no desire to tell him anything and thinks him more of an annoyance, oooo I like her!  She has a kid (interesting) with another detective who is kind of a prick.  He tries to put his ex down in front of Luci and he defends his new lady friend.  It is adorable (OMG I am having feelings for a TV "bad guy"...I have issues).

So together they figure out who hired the hit-man that killed the actress.  The actual bad guy who isn't Lucifer pulls a gun on Luci.  The lady detective is panicking.  He isn't.  He isn't scared of being shot.  he'll just come back to life.  She shoots the suspect to save Lucifer and he is floored.  That man didn't suffer enough, he just DIED.  He is mad (ooooo scary devil) and says he.is.immortal!  Before it can go further the baddie isn't dead and SHOOTS our new lady friend "Ahhhhhhhhhh!".  Um excuse you, I like her!  Luci goes all vengeful devil...dude the reflection... okay THAT is horrifying!  She lives yay!  He saves her....wha...he cares....whoa.

That was basically the episode.  Obviously much more happened but that was the sum of it.  I love love loveed it!  I cannot WAIT to see more.  It looks like he becomes a consultant for the police department and our lady friend does not seem happy...*muahaha*. 

My favorite things:
Trixie liking Lucifer, even after hearing his name
Lucifer telling Trixie  "That's a hooker name."

Lucifer scaring the bully that got Trixie in trouble
Trixie seeing Lucifer at the hospital and giving him a HUGE hug and him getting all "no no no little one, I hate kids" all while uncomfortably smirking.

That stupid angel doesn't scare him one bit (seriously something is wrong with me)
He is a seducer and keeps his word (that shrink is going to have a good time)

But he is still a bit terrifying

 

Also, I love how he is blatantly honest about being Lucifer and immortal and everyone just kind of blows it off.

**NOTE** None of these gifs are mine.  I found them online but I don't know who created them.

14 years later and I still love these two!!!

I've seen a lot of negative things about the Premier of the X-Files revival and I don't get it.  Yea it was a little off.  Mulder was a bit of a nutter...more so than normal but it was still good.  And as much as I love foosball I was feeling a bit stabby.  Gimme X-Files dammit!!!!  Yea yea yea good for you Panthers now get off my TV!

From this point forward it will be spoiled a bit for Episodes 1 & 2 so just a heads up.

My little geek heart exploded Sunday night!  One of my favorite sci-fi shows of ALL TIME (notice I say "one of", because I have a few favs) came back for a 6 episode tease.  I call it a tease because 6 episodes is not enough for me.  This is the FIRST TV non-couple that I was like "OMG be together already" (ya know...I shipped them).  I was 12 when it first came on TV and 21 when they took it off the air.  I watched it for 9 seasons.  I saw the movies.  I love love love Mulder and Scully.  With that said when I heard they were bringing it back I fangirled so hard my husband laughed for like 20 minutes.  It was pretty epic.  I imagine it would have been similar for fans of Classic Who when the show rebooted in 2005.

Anyways, I like the 1st episode.  Of course it wasn't classic X-Files people.  Think about it!!! They dismantled the department.  It didn't exist anymore.  So they had to come up with some cracked out way to bring Mulder and Scully back together.  It couldn't be straight up alien BS again.  They've done that and shown us the flipping aliens.  It had to go in a different direction.  Plus it was Episode 1 FFS!!!  It was an intro.  They had to get us all up to speed on what the f**k they've all been up to for FOURTEEN years (yes I know there was a movie in 2008 but its been 14 years since TV).  So we had to see Mulder out of his Mulder-ness and Scully being her awesome scientific self but without Mulder.  We had to see that they've gone their separate ways but they still CLEARLY love each other and you cannot convince me otherwise!

I seriously love that they are taking the alien BS to a new (way more disturbing) level.  We aren't being watched by aliens...well we are but its more than that.  All of these crazy things.  All of the INSANE experiments and abductions and weirdo $hit.  Its all because back when the Roswell thing happened our government took the technology and reverse engineered it.  We also took the BODY OF THE ALIEN and used its DNA.  Meaning aliens aren't abducting us for experiments...its our government.  At least a branch of it.  (like I needed more reasons to be paranoid) They take women who are pregnant and put alien DNA in them to see what happens.  They impregnate others with human/alien embryos.  They take men for...well you can guess based on the last sentence. 

Aliens might be curious about us but its the powers that be that are doing all the crazy $hit!  And when people try to out these higher powers they are "dealt with".  I mean I wasn't fond of the YouTubber (stop hitting on Scully!) but I can only imagine what happened to him. As in they die of mysterious causes, have freak accidents, or just disappear.  At the end we have our team mending the wounds a bit...speaking of their BABY that went up for adoption (ouch my heart)...and giving us the flipping smoking man.  How the f**k is he still alive?!?!?!

Episode 2 was more my classic babies.  Mulder is his clean shaven, suit wearing self.  And god damn he is still a very attractive man.  Scully hasn't aged.  No really what does Mrs. Anderson do because she looks the SAME!  This episode broke me more because of the "What If" flash backs.  What if they kept their son.  What activities would they have done together.  Just rip my heart out why don't you!!!  It also showed how much these two CLEARLY care for one another still.  They may not be together but the affection is still there.  When Mulder is in danger she is worried.  When Mulder drops on the ground in pain she is there in a second to save him.  When he says "You’re never just anything to me, Scully", I sniffled.  Damn where'd all this dust come from *cough cough*.  

What I am saying is I like it.  I think it is good.  I think people are being WAAAAAY too hard on it. Just enjoy it while you can....its only SIX episodes people!!! Oh did I mention Scully has Alien DNA...what the actual f**k?!?!?!

“It was beautiful. And it was sad.” Oh, and I am Hell Bent on rewatching that...mainly because my DVR cut off (jerk).

"What is happening?!??!"  My mantra for the entire Season Finale (season/series 9) of Doctor Who.  I'm saying it now...

If you read on it will be SPOILED.

Maybe I missed something in the weeks leading up to the finale but when the opening credits rolled and I saw "Jenna Coleman"  I was like wait... but blew it off as she would be his conscience once again while he dealt with the jerk-ish Time Lords. 

I was so wrong but that isn't the point...who am I kidding yes it is.  The opening scene is him talking to Clara in a f**king diner...THE diner he was in with Amy & Rory in Nevada (is this significant or just the network reusing sets???).  And he is telling her a story about CLARA. Me: OMG what happened to Clara...how is she alive...why doesn't she know the doctor?!!?!? Then he plays a song on his guitar.  Clara: What's it called?  Him:  I think its called Clara.  *ouch my heart* Then we are back on Gallifrey.  I won't lie...I geeked out the entire time Gallifrey was shown.  I mean we got his home planet and their stupid fancy dress...it was AWESOME! 

How cool

is

this!?!?!?

I loved that The Doctor had so much confidence and control while on his home planet.  By all evidence he should have been scared but he wasn't because he knew.  He knew he did right.  And he knew his people were a bunch of dicks.  He drew a line in the sand (literally).  He stood up to a firing squad.  He stood up to Rassilon!  He was so freaking amazing.  So question...was that woman his mum or just a care taker while he was at the academy?  Anyways, I laughed my butt off when he was told to drop any weapons and he dropped the flipping spoon *snort*.

So as usual the Time Lords act like a bunch of pompous @$$hats.  He gets rid of Rassilon and becomes President......I thought...I thought he didn't like being President.  Question: How the f**k did the Sisters of Karn find Gallifrey?!!?!!?  Anyway, so he uses his "knowledge" of the Hybrid as leverage for the Time Lords to bring back Clara.  So we get her back between her last heart beats.  He saved her!  This PISSED ME OFF.  Not because I want her to die (I adore her...she is one of my favorite companions) but because why can't anyone in Who stay dead! It cheapens the deaths when they happen because we all know Moffat doesn't like killing them and they can always come back.  There is no finality.  Moving on, so she's like in limbo...no heartbeat, no me gusta.

The Doctor goes all rogue time lord again and runs away, all to save Clara.  This is a VERY unhealthy relationship!!!  When she finds out how long he was in that disk...I broke a little.  I was the same way...why???  He said: "I had a duty of care", what?!?!?!?  That's about as close as we are going to get to an "I love you".  Not necessarily romantic.  But he does care immensely for his impossible girl.  (I'm not crying, you're crying)  He legit steals ANOTHER T.A.R.D.I.S. and runs away.  I freaked out all over again seeing the old school console room.  Be still my little geeky heart! I just hate that The Doctor is running...AGAIN.  That he is risking the destruction of TIME to have Clara back. Even 10 didn't destroy the universe to get Rose back...COME ON!  Maybe their "love" is stronger.............

Me is there at the end.  No literally at the end of the universe, it's Me and The Doctor and Clara of course.  And WTH was with the "its always four knocks".  That is not funny Mr. Moffat.  That was a HEARTBREAKING moment for the 10th Doctor (and for us!).  Anyways, The Doc (away from Clara) says the Hybrid is Me (Told you So), she says its him (no we are NOT going there.  He is not 1/2 human or whatever.  Just STOP).  Then she says it could be two people (what!?!?!!?!?).  So the Hybrid is the Doctor AND Clara...together.  OMG...OMG!  So to protect time, Gallifrey and Clara...he is going to wipe her memories.  Son of a!  No...we are not pulling a Donna Noble on Clara!!!!  Just.No! 

Clara heard it all and doesn't want to forget.  She is fine with dying but don't take away her memories of The Doctor.  As a fail safe she reverses the polarity to backfire if he tries to use the device on her.  But he doesn't believe her.  They do the whole speaking with their eyes thing with a little talking and decide its a 50/50 chance it'll work on her.  Suddenly the Doctor collapses.  What is happening?!?!?! No...OMG no...OMG!  Why do you hurt me like this!!?!?! The whole episode I thought it was Clara who forgot.  OMG! I did NOT see that coming!  So HE forgot HER...well mostly.  He remembers some things.  He knows she's important to him and he wants to find her.  F**k now I am legit crying.  But he can't find his T.A.R.D.I.S. *awwwww*

But why in the diner? What is Clara doing?  Where is Me???  So Clara walks away into the back...into the 2nd stolen T.A.R.D.I.S. where Me is waiting by the console and the diner disappears from around the Doctor.  He was in the freaking 2nd T.A.R.D.I.S. the whole time in the diner.  OMG (have I voiced my shock yet?)!  And then we see it.  In the aftermath of the other T.A.R.D.I.S. dematerializing we see our T.A.R.D.I.S.  Our amazing box that is the perfect shade of blue...and also happens to have a picture of Clara on it that the doctor seems to miss *ouch my heart*.

This is where the DVR cut off.  But I know most of what happens (thank you Internet) and OMG I am sobbing now.  "Run you clever boy...and be a Doctor" cue a new sonic SCREWDRIVER appearing.  He is The Doctor again!!!  Ahhhhhhhh!  I didn't realize it but the whole season he was hiding!  He was hiding behind his sonic shades!!! He wasn't The Doctor...not without his screwdriver *laughing through tears*. 

And Clara ran away with Ashildr. They are going to go on so many adventures.   Ashildr is immortal, Clara is essentially immortal now...she doesn't have to Face the Raven just yet.  She became The Doctor!!!!!  She stole a flipping T.A.R.D.I.S. and is running away to have adventures.

I am not okay.  NOLAGurl.exe has crashed.  Imbibe with copious amounts of wine and start in safe mode. 

Eeeeeeeee, I can't wait for the Christmas special!!!!!



Want my random ramblings as I watched?  Read Below:

That had nothing to do with Heaven.....that was Hell. If I had to describe Hell...it would be something like that...with Fire

Okay I am saying this now, SPOILERS for Saturday's Doctor Who.  It was called "Heaven Sent" (Series 9, Episode 11).  I know I don't usually review individual episodes (except Season Finales) unless they slap me.  This one slapped me and then asked to be paid because I liked it.  Wait...never mind. 

I am not going to summarize everything but I will give some thoughts. 

1.  That is the coolest...weirdest prison ever. 
2.  That was a lot of blood in the opening scene...whose was it....and why did the person who brought 
     the doctor there turn to dust....?
3.  That thing looked like it was right out of Harry Potter....can you say Dementor

Alright...those were my initial thoughts.  As always Twelve was exceptional.  He was it.  He was the only person there...well him and a CLOCKWORK dementor (seriously why are the most terrifying Who monsters clockwork?!?!?!).  He was amazing.  Just give Capaldi all the awards he is freaking phenomenal.

So all in all, I thought this episode was wondrous.   There was an air of mystery but enough hints that if you were paying attention, you kind of figured it out.  As we all know hindsight is 20/20 but I really did catch onto a few things before the big reveal even if I didn't quite put them together in time.  

For instance when he sees the portrait of Clara... my questions were: why is it so worn?  Is it really old? Wait, how long has it been there? Who drew it?  Did he draw it?  Why does it look ancient?

When he jumped out the damn window into the sea of skulls... Holy $hit that's a lot of skulls.  Wait...whose skulls are those?  They all look similar...  What species has skulls that uniform...humans don't...well not that uniform. 

Mind Storm Room...did Moffat forget he was writing Who and not Sherlock???  OMG Clara is in his storm room.  Even in Death she keeps him grounded. 

Was I the only one that questioned the f**king extra suit drying by the fire?  My initial reaction  "wait...how many times has he done that???" Turns out THAT is the right question!

So the "dementor" for lack of a better word needs "truths" or it kills him.  But why???  What secret(s) are they trying to get out of him and who is they?!?!?

"I am in 12"...that is a CLEAR reference to him being the 12th incarnation of The Doctor...right?!?!?!

That "diamond" wall said "Home"...I rewound it and clearly saw the word Home.  Everyone online said its the T.A.R.D.I.S.  I said "Gallifrey" and I got so many replies saying that was stupid, the T.A.R.D.I.S. is Home, duh.   

When things start to fall into place...Wait how long has he been there???  OMG all the skulls are him!  How many times has this happened?!?!  It's like f**king Groundhog Day!  Two billion years?!?!!?  Hold up, how come the diamond wall doesn't repair like the rest of the castle!??!!?

They keep you so involved in the scare factor, you don't realize who "They" clearly are.  The second he broke through the wall I literally screamed "Gallifrey!" And then squeed like an idiot when they showed the dome.   My brain caught up and....

Then he says this "You can probably still hear me so, just between ourselves, you've got the prophecy wrong. The Hybrid is not half-Dalek. Nothing is half-Dalek. The Daleks would never allow that. The Hybrid destined to conquer Gallifrey and stand in its ruins is Me." F**king Timelords messing with The Doctor...AGAIN!

People were like Holy $hit, he's the Hybrid!!! The movie is cannon!!! He is half human!!! And I'm over here like "Wait...isn't the little crazy girl calling herself Me these days???" So that's my prediction for the Finale.  The "hybrid" isn't the Doctor...its Me...and the Doctor is gonna either help or stop her.  Or it at least has something to do with Me.  He recognized her when she was Ashildr but couldn't place her.  She is significant to all this Gallifrey BS!  I could be totally wrong but that makes sense to...well me.  What do you think???

Below were my real time online musings as things progressed:

- Anyone else not realize the bugs were on the tv at first….I thought I had some unwanted guests
- "Whose been stealing my nightmares…" Yikes!
- He just…he just jumped out a f**king window…
- Awwww, Clara is in his “storm room” 
- So is the question, how many times has he done that….?
- Is he in azkaban…?
- "I am in 12"… What?!?!
- “I didn’t leave Gallifrey because I was bored, I lied”…..“I was scared…I ran because I was scared”

- “I’m not scared of hell…its just heaven for bad people” well you aren't wrong
- Did that just say “home”?  Like as in Gallifrey????
- Eeeeee Clara! Even if it’s just a memory…inner conscience…. what ever
- Dafuq just happened?!?! Did he die...?!!?!
- All the blood is his!?!?!?  The hand....the, the...whoa
- How long has he been there?!?!?!?
- Holy crap!!!! The skulls, they are all him….what?!?!?
- It’s Groundhog Day for the doctor!!!
- Did he just say 20,000 years that time?!?!?!?!??
- 2 billion years…good god
- What in the what what…what?
- I'm not okay...send help...and wine...

The Secrets of Blood and Bone ~ Rebecca Alexander

This is a sequel to The Secrets of Life and Death.  I said in my review of that book that I didn't know if it was one book or a series because the last one had enough closure but there was an opportunity for the story to continue.  I enjoyed this continuation.  I give it a solid four stars.  You can tell the story is more comfortable and detailed in this one.  There are more answers given but for each answer there are 10 new questions which keeps you reading, wanting to know what is happening to our favorite revenants.  Again you have to adjust between the two timelines.  We are following the present day with Jack, Sadie, Maggie & Felix along with the past but only Edward Kelley this time with some new acquaintances, Dee is mentioned but not with him. 


This starts off not long after the first one ends.  Jack is still running high on the blood Felix gave her and Sadie is still weak.  They are in a different town where Maggie's sister died under suspicious circumstances.  Jack is different but still Jack for the most part.  Things have changed quite a bit in a short period of time.  We are introduced to a new set of baddies.  Bathory is gone in the present but the Dannicks are there and they are frightening.  They are part of an ancient line of "hunters".  There is a wolf on the cover so I am not really giving anything away saying, holy moley there are Weres in this book and not the ones we think of care of movies.    These are 100% more disturbing.

I think if you enjoyed the first book, this one will be a welcomed continuation.  If you didn't read the first book, no worries, both can stand alone as they give enough backstory for you to follow.  But I think you should read the first one just so you can understand more of the internal battle Jack is having related to Felix and blood.  I would recommend it.  It is packed with supernatural happenings along with bits of historical fiction to grab your attention and keep it. 

**SPOILERS**

Something is off with Jack.  You realize this from the get go. Clearly she cares about Felix or she wouldn't have pushed him away.  She knows it is unfair for her to steal his love when she's only a borrowed timer and she doesn't want to be selfish.  She is still strong willed and efficient.  She cares deeply for Sadie and would do anything to help Maggie...including clearing out her sisters destroyed house after an untimely death.  She is conflicted.  Because of the blood she has these new sensations.  It is terrifying because we love her and she could be becoming a monster like Bathory.  She is so unstable she does stupid things like run off Felix and throw herself at one of the crazy Dannicks only to almost get raped.  She is losing a battle between who she is, who she was and who she wants to be.  It's all becoming blurred, leading up to one heck of a revelation.

Felix is ANNOYING.  He clearly cares for Jack but he still leaves her to do his "research".  This research that landed him in my hometown, NOLA.  It also led him to the bed of another woman.  I hated that.  I hated that he turned the first pretty face that literally threw herself at him.  Ugh, men!  He realizes in the end he still wants Jack no matter what but my level of frustration with him was off the charts.  Granted he does find out quite a bit of information.  Like that the stories of vampires are based on truths.  It is a type of living dead but not like the legends.  Its revenants that drink blood and "ascend" to another level.  There is hinting at demons again but nothing concrete. 

Sadie is still sick but shes a witch!  That's exciting.  She has power she just has to learn how to use it.  She is completely dependent on Jack, Maggie and Felix.  She died again but they got her back.  I hate that she is so weak because I've really grown to like her.  Her ability to protect herself from the hunt by using the forest is wonderful.  She just needs something (blood...?) so she won't be so vulnerable. 

Flashing back to Kelley.  He is in Venice, researching something for his "boss" who happens to be a Dannick.  He needs a cure for a degenerative disease that is killing his bloodline.  Kelley of course bites off more than he can chew and realizes this "cure" is actually a curse, the curse of the Were.  But they don't literally transform, they still look human but they become obsessed with "The Hunt"...with murder.  They are crazed and savage, barely human when the full moon is out but with that "curse" comes extended life, youth and good health.  He almost dies, only to be saved by Bathory who wants him to "fix" her.  He hates her, knowing she drinks blood of children to remain animated.  But she saves him so he tries to help only to find out she isn't really herself anymore.  She is mostly Saraquel, the "Angel" he spoke to in book one.  It's a frightening revelation, basically she is possessed.

How does this tie in to the present?  Well he clearly gets the "cure" back to the Dannicks as they are the Weres of the present day.    Jack knows too much but is a survivor.  Sadie almost dies AGAIN but whew she doesn't.  And they all save a young boy form becoming a monster like the rest of his crazed family.  Felix professes his feelings for Jack (yay) and Jack does the same (double yay) but she is acting more and more strange.  She seems to be blacking out.  Then she talks to one of Felix's research contacts and learns there is ALWAYS a price for immortality.  A revenant that drinks blood doesn't "ascend" they are acquired by a demon.  Jack is now Saraquel and it's awful.  Felix knows and tries to help and Jack tries to commit suicide to protect those she loves.  I freaked when it ended...she jumped off a bridge into the Thames!!! 

I received this book for free from Blogging for Books to give my honest review.