Review: Ashes on the Waves by Mary Lindsey

ASHES ON THE WAVES
By: Mary Lindsey
Published By: Philomel
Release Date: June 27, 2013
Series: None
Pages:
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Author
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Liam MacGregor is cursed. Haunted by the wails of fantastical Bean Sidhes and labeled a demon by the villagers of Dòchas, Liam has accepted that things will never get better for him—until a wealthy heiress named Annabel Leighton arrives on the island and Liam’s fate is changed forever.

With Anna, Liam finally finds the happiness he has always been denied; but, the violent, mythical Otherworlders, who inhabit the island and the sea around it, have other plans. They make a wager on the couple’s love, testing its strength through a series of cruel obstacles. But the tragedies draw Liam and Anna even closer. Frustrated, the creatures put the couple through one last trial — and this time it’s not only their love that’s in danger of being destroyed.

Based on Edgar Allan Poe’s chilling poem Annabel Lee, Mary Lindsey creates a frighteningly beautiful gothic novel that glorifies the power of true love.



I wanted to read Ashes on the Waves from the first time that I heard Mary Lindsey talk about it. I love Poe and I love retellings, so a retelling of Poe's poem Annabel Lee with Celtic mythology added in sounded like the recipe for a great book. And it was.

Liam has lived a hard life on the island of Dochas. Crippled from birth, he is shunned by the other inhabitants and haunted by the wails of Bean Sidhes. The only happiness he knew was when he played with the heiress Annabel Leighton as a child. But at seventeen, he had resigned himself to only seeing Anna in magazines. But one day Anna returns to the island, exiled there by her family. With Anna back on the island, Liam is once again happy. But there are forces threatening to tear them apart, both human and otherworldly. Will their love survive all of the trials that they are forced to endure? And more importantly, will they?

If you have read Mary Lindsey's first book, Shattered Souls, you may think you know what to expect in Ashes on the Waves. But Mary has truly outdone herself with this book. From the very first page I was transported to the mystical island where the love story of Liam and Anna unfolded. There were Poe quotes at the beginning of each chapter that set the stage and told the story in their own way, and out of them grew a wonderfully tragic narrative. The writing is both lyrical and vivid, and everything about the island came to life in a story that I didn't want to put down. Even though Anna and Liam seem like an unlikely pair at first, you can't help but be swept away by the depth of their love. The story is told from Liam's perspective, and his devotion to Anna as well as the hard life he's lived and the way he overcomes it make him completely swoon-worthy.

In addition to the sadness that pervades this book, there is also magic and mythology. I liked the portions for Muireann's perspective, and I loved how the real and fantastical worlds blended. The magic world housed a lot of secrets, and I enjoyed uncovering them along with Liam and Anna. Despite everything that happens, there is always an undertone of hope, reinforcing the idea that love never dies. I hated turning the final page, because even though I knew that the story was over, I still wanted more.

Ashes on the Waves is a beautiful, haunting novel. It is definitely a not-to-be-missed read!

Review: Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

INVISIBILITY
By: Andrea Cremer and David Levithan
Published By: Philomel
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Series: None
Pages: 358
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA Midwinter
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse. But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.



Andrea Cremer is one of the authors on my auto-buy list, and I knew that a book co-authored by her and David Levithan would have to be good. Even those the books of these two authors are nothing alike, this collaboration works quite well. Invisibility is a great blend of a fantasy world and a contemporary story, and after the final page I couldn't help but feel sad that the book was over already.

Stephen has been invisible for his entire life. He was born that way because of a curse, but he never knows any more details than that. He's adjusted to life on his own, existing in the world without truly being part of it, but he finds ways to keep busy. Then Elizabeth moves into his apartment building, and to Stephen's immense surprise, she can see him. At first Stephen tries to keep his secret, but once Elizabeth learns the truth, she and her brother Laurie make a pact to find out more about Stephen's curse. But the curse brings them into a hidden world of magic, one that is much bigger that Stephen's individual curse. As they learn more, they come to realize how much danger Stephen faces. And when Stephen's grandfather arrives in town, Stephen knows he was an important choice to make - fight for his freedom, or live cursed forever...

"'This is the beginning of something,' she says. 'Neither of us knows what, but that's okay. What matters is that it's the beginning of something. You feel that, don't you?'

I do. And that's just as surprising as being touched, as being seen."

Even though Andrea and David alternated chapters, the story flowed seamlessly, and the authors seemed to feed off of each other to make one cohesive story. One of the things I loved about this book is how well I felt like I knew the three main characters. I enjoyed the chapters alternating points of view so that both Stephen and Elizabeth's stories were told. Their emotions were so vivid and my heart broke for them and the sense of isolation they felt. Once they met, I really enjoyed seeing their relationship progress. Even though Elizabeth was the only one who could see Stephen, they were still friends first, which was refreshing amid all the insta-love books. Even without the paranormal aspect, Stephen and Elizabeth seem made for each other, drawn together by a fragile vulnerability and a longing for someone who would simply let them be as they were. Another central character the the story is Laurie, and he is, in a word, awesome. He's also a comedian, a voice of reason, and a good friend and brother. I also liked Saul and Millie, especially the devotion they shared. I would have liked to have seen even more of them.

I liked how magic was gradually introduced into the reality of this story, and I wanted to know more about this world - all of the history of cursecasters and spellseekers. Andrea always creates rich worlds, and Invisibility was no exception. This, combined with David's knack for contemporary writing, led to some really beautiful moments in the story. Then again, with two fabulous authors writing one story, you really can't go wrong.

Even though this book is a standalone, I know that there could be more books in this world. I will secretly hope for that while continuing to read Andrea Cremer and David Levithan's other books!

Review: Rift by Andrea Cremer

RIFT
By: Andrea Cremer
Published By: Philomel
Release Date: Aug. 7, 2012
Series: Nightshade Prequel (#1)
Pages: 413
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: ALA
Buy the Book: Amazon

This book is a prequel to the Nightshade trilogy, which includes Nightshade, Wolfsbane, and Bloodrose. To see those reviews, click the name of the book. You do not have to have read Nightshade to read Rift.

Goodreads Summary: Chronicling the rise of the Keepers, this is the stunning prequel to Andrea Cremer's internationally bestselling Nightshade trilogy!

Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess. When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind.

With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this book is as fast-paced and breathtaking as the Nightshade novels.



It's no secret that I love Andrea Cremer's books. If you've read my reviews of the Nightshade trilogy books, you know that I think Andrea Cremer is brilliant and that her books are amazing. Rift was one of my most-anticipated books of 2012, and it did not disappoint.

Ember Morrow has been promised to Conatus after healers saved her mother's life during childbirth. Ember is excited to go - she would much rather fight than be subject to an arranged marriage. Her friend Alistair is there also, and she has missed him while he was at Conatus a year before her. But Ember never expected that her arrival at Conatus would cause such a stir, and she finds herself choosing her own path despite her father's wishes. She expects things to calm down, but that is before Barrow Hess himself becomes her mentor. Though Ember wants to learn from him and make him proud, she cannot help but have feelings for him. But he is her mentor, important at Conatus, and there are many more pressing issues. One of the leaders is dabbling in dark magic, threatening to destroy the world as they know it. Can she be stopped? And what will the fight mean for Ember and Barrow?

As much as I love the Nightshade trilogy, I think that Rift may have been even better, if that is possible. From the very first page I loved this book, and I loved it even more by the time I had finished reading it. Set in the fifteenth century, Rift is a wonderful blend of historical fiction and fantasy. The world is fascinating, and I loved the intersection of church and magic found at Conatus. Within this world is Ember, a strong character who brings the story to life. I enjoyed seeing her training and watching her grow into the person she was meant to be. But I have to admit that one of my favorite things about this book was Barrow. Barrow, with his skill with a sword and his handsome features, is most definitely swoon-worthy and now on my list of Top Five Book Boyfriends. I loved seeing his relationship with Ember develop from mentor/student into something much more. There are some very touching scenes between them, and I'm looking forward to seeing more in the next book.

The writing in Rift is brilliant, as always. Everything from the characters to the setting was incredibly vivid, drawing me into the story and making me forget everything else. I wanted to read this book in one sitting, but I forced myself to drag it out so that I would be able to enjoy it longer. My only complaint is that there is a wait until the next book!

If you haven't read any of Andrea Cremer's books, what are you waiting for? And if you have read Nightshade, you certainly won't want to miss Rift. I'm already counting down the days until the next book!

Review: Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

BLOODROSE
By: Andrea Cremer
Published By: Philomel
Release Date: Jan. 3, 2012
Series: Nightshade (#3)
Pages: 414
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Borrowed
Buy the Book: Amazon

Disclaimer: Summary may contain spoilers if you have not read Nightshade or Wolfsbane. To read those reviews, click on the links.

Goodreads Summary: The Ultimate Sacrifice.

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy.



If you've read Nightshade and Wolfsbane, then you know how awesome this trilogy is. (If you haven't, go buy them and move them to the top of your to-read list.) I was thrilled when we had the chance to read the first chapter of Bloodrose early, and I knew from reading it that this book would be incredibly intense and just as amazing, if not more so, than the first two. And Bloodrose did not disappoint.

Bloodrose begins just after the events of Wolfsbane. I don't want to say too much and give anything away, but I will say this. Bloodrose follows Shay's quest to retrieve the Elemental Cross to use to defeat the Keepers. In this final installment, almost nowhere and no one is ultimately safe, and time is of the essence. And despite the battle raging around her, Calla still has to decide who will be the alpha at her side.

I know I have said this before in both reviews, but it bears repeating. Andrea Cremer is a genius. Perhaps an evil genius sometimes, but a genius nonetheless. All of these books are brilliant; the writing is excellent, utterly engrossing and captivating. Just like the others, Bloodrose was a book that I could not put down. You are constantly guessing and wondering what will happen next, and when the answer comes, it is never what you expected. As much as I love the main trio of this story, I also love the smaller characters. I especially enjoyed watching Sabine grow and change in this book. Despite the high stakes, there was no shortage of humor from Connor and Adne. There may have even been some new romances blossoming with the close quarters and dangerous missions...

And then there was the love triangle. There are scenes that made me sigh, scenes that made me swoon, scenes that made me want to yell, "Just pick him already!" Both the tension and the love were palpable. In the end Calla does make a choice...and I think I will leave it at that.

Bloodrose will make your jaw drop, will tear at your heart, and will make you laugh and cry. And for those of you who love the Nightshade world as much as I do, fear not - Andrea has plans to write not one but two prequels to the trilogy! I cannot wait to read more from her!

Review: Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

SHATTERED SOULS
By: Mary Lindsey
Published By: Philomel
Release Date: Dec. 8, 2011
Series: None
Pages: 336
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Borrowed
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger.

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.



Shattered Souls had a lot of advance hype, and after reading the book, I can certainly see why. Mary Lindsey has spun a story that is incredibly gripping and one that left me wanting more.

Lenzi has been hearing voices, and this terrifies her - she is afraid that she is turning into her father who recently committed suicide because of his mental issues. Lenzi tries her best to block out the voices, but they just keep coming. On the night of her birthday, the voices suddenly turn into hallucinations...or do they? She meets a mysterious stranger who just happens to know a few things about her, and Lenzi must accept that Alden, as well as what he's saying, is real. Only Lenzi doesn't want any part of the life Alden describes. She is happy with her boyfriend Zak, and everything else she will handle. But Alden can help her with the voices - the lost souls - and she quickly finds herself drawn into his world. Soon Lenzi has a decision to make: will she lead the life she wants or the life she is destined to lead?

Shattered Souls is a book that you can't put down. I loved that the paranormal aspect was introduced so quickly, and once I knew a bit of the world I was dying to know even more. Lenzi and Alden were both characters that I enjoyed getting to know. Lenzi is a genuinely good person and Alden is incredibly devoted to her, even if I did want to tell him to speak up for what he wanted. Even though the world is new to Lenzi, they quickly manage to work together and are a phenomenal team of Speaker and Protector. Beyond this, I loved the history woven through this book. It was interesting to learn not only Lenzi and Alden's stories but also the stories of the souls that Lenzi helped. Then there were Race and Maude, whose quips added just the right touch of humor to the book. And finally there is Zak. As much as I wanted to dislike him, I just couldn't. All of these characters manage to tug at your heart, each for their own reasons. And if you thought you'd seen evil spirits before...think again.

I do have to admit that several aspects of this book - reincarnation, lost memory, and teamwork through centuries - reminded me of another book that I read earlier this year. Even though I loved the characters and the idea of helping souls pass on, I couldn't help but be distracted at a few points. Even so, I couldn't stop reading until I had turned the last page.

I do hope that Mary will write more books in this world - these characters and the world are too good to let go of this soon! And I am very much looking forward to her next book, a retelling of Poe's Annabel Lee!

Review: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

WOLFSBANE
By: Andrea Cremer
Published By: Philomel
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Series: Nightshade (#2)
Pages: 400
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Level: Young Adult
Source: Borrowed
Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads Summary: This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended-Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer-one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack-and the man-she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.



If you haven't read Nightshade, go buy it and read it immediately. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. If you've read it, you know that Nightshade is amazing and that the wait for Wolfsbane was cruel and unusual punishment.

Wolfsbane begins just after the end of Nightshade. Calla Tor wakes to find herself surrounded by Searchers, far removed from her pack, from everyone but Shay. She is desperate to find her way back to her home, but the Searchers have other plans for her. They need her and her pack as allies in their war against the Keepers. At first, Calla refuses - after all, she's fought the Searchers all her life - but the more she talks to them, the more she comes to realize that some of her long-held truths were actually lies. But no matter what has happened, she is the alpha, and she has to help her pack...and her mate. Yet will Calla be torn between love and duty? And can she find her pack - and protect them - before it's too late?

I was thrilled to be back in the Nightshade world. Once again Andrea's writing drew me in and kept me turning page after page, needing to know what happened next. In addition to seeing more of Calla and Shay, there are a new cast of characters to meet, each with their own stories and quirks, and some (especially Connor and Adne) with very entertaining senses of humor. The details and descriptions are always so vivid, and the constant plot twists and romantic tension make for riveting reading. The stories and memories revealed in Wolfsbane are by turns alarming and poignant.

Wolfsbane is just as intense as Nightshade, but in a different way - it has a darker tone and is driven more by events than by the romantic tension, but for this book that certainly works. My only complaint about Wolfsbane is that it ended when it did - I wanted more! Is it time for Bloodrose yet???

I've said this before, and I'll say it again - Andrea Cremer's writing style is brilliant. I absolutely cannot wait to read the third installment of this story!