Review ~ Ink (ARC) by Amanda Sun

Ink (Paper Gods #1)
by Amanda Sun
YA Paranormal
Published: June 25th 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn't know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can't seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

Then there's gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school's kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn't prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there's no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.

Katie never wanted to move to Japan-now she may not make it out of the country alive.

My Review:

**4 Stars**

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review. 

So, I honestly wasn't sure if I was actually going to read this book, never mind requesting it from NetGalley. But after seeing some of the reactions to Ink I decided to give it a try. And I am very glad I did. I really enjoyed the originality of the story. 

There were a couple points where I couldn't understand what was being said... but in the paperback version that is out, there is a glossary in the back. I am glad the author included this in the book, but it also kind of takes away from the experience.

Katie's character was awesome. She is going through so much in her life and struggling to keep up in a society she doesn't understand with a language she is trying to grasp. She is pretty stupid though - following Tomo around after being warned off. But then, it wouldn't have made a great story if she had left him alone.

I think the only thing that bothered me about Tomo was his breakup with Mya. He obviously still liked her, but he very quickly forgot about her when Katie comes along. I look forward to reading the next book and seeing what happens with both Katie and Tomo.

Review ~ A Tale of Two Centuries (ARC) by Rachel Harris

A Tale of Two Centuries (My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century #2)
by Rachel Harris
YA Paranormal Romance (time-travel)
Expected Publication: August 6th 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

Alessandra D'Angeli is in need of an adventure. Tired of her sixteenth-century life in Italy and homesick for her time-traveling cousin, Cat, who visited her for a magical week and dazzled her with tales of the future, Alessandra is lost. Until the stars hear her plea.

One mystical spell later, Alessandra appears on Cat's Beverly Hills doorstep five hundred years in the future. Surrounded by confusing gadgets, scary transportation, and scandalous clothing, Less is hesitant to live the life of a twenty-first century teen... until she meets the infuriating-and infuriatingly handsome-surfer Austin Michaels. Austin challenges everything she believes in...and introduces her to a world filled with possibility.

With the clock ticking, Less knows she must live every moment of her modern life while she can. But how will she return to the drab life of her past when the future is what holds everything she's come to love?

My Review:

**4 Stars**

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Yahoo! A book about Alessandra. I loved her in MSSSC and am so glad that Rachel Harris wrote the next book about her traveling to Cat's time. Although, when reading the plot I was a little discouraged for Less, because how could she want to return to her time after living in the 21st Century, even for a little bit. She could become a famous actress if only she could stay.

Um, ok Austin is totally awesome!!! I'm sorry to say... I really liked him a lot more than I liked Lorenzo. Lorenzo was classy, and hot for his time. But there was just something about Austin. The way he interacted with Less, trying to help her open up and truly become herself was just so... so... aaahhh.

Ok, so very much excited for the next book. Wishing that there will be a novella (hint to author) about "the letter." (You will know what I mean when you finish the book).

Review ~ The Collector by Victoria Scott

The Collector (Dante Walker #1)
by Victoria Scott
YA Paranormal
Published: April 2nd 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb:

Dante Walker is flippin' awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of Hell's best - a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.

Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante's an equal opportunity collector and doesn't want it any other way. But he'll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment: Collect Charlie Cooper's soul within 10 days.

Dante doesn't know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that's a permanent ticket out of Hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he's come to collect - he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions long ago buried.

My Review: 

**4 Stars**

I didn't realized until I read The Collector how rare it is for a book to actually be in first person, especially from a guy's perspective. The whole book read almost like Dante's diary (ok, he is too cool for a diary - a journal then).

I really liked the story, and I like how Charlie was an ordinary looking girl, but with a big heart. It makes her all the more special. Normally a hot guy like Dante wouldn't look twice at her, but he has to for his job - which is his benefit. He gets to know the real Charlie and falls for her.

There is so much I would love to write, but I would be giving away a lot - so I won't. I cannot wait for  The Liberator to be released. I know it is going to be exciting.

Review ~ Arise by Tara Hudson

Arise (Hereafter #2)
by Tara Hudson
YA Paranormal 
Published: June 5th 2012
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

New Orleans
Saint Louis
Number One Cemetery
A night there can change a life . . . or a death.

Increasingly worried that dark spirits will carry out their threats and hurt the people she cares for most, Amelia is ready to try anything to protect them. And for his own very different reasons, Joshua has come to this cemetery at midnight to join her in a powerful ritual.

Both know that once Amelia steps inside the Voodoo circle and the beautiful girl from the Conjure Cafe begins the ceremony, everything will change.

Tara Hudson's enthralling sequel to "Hereafter" escalates the danger and excitement, bringing a new dimension to her already mesmerizing story of a haunted love.

My Review: 

**2.5 Stars**

I was really disappointed with Arise. I have really liked Amelia's story in the first book and had hoped that it would continue just as well and as exciting. It just felt like it was almost a repeat of the first book, just in a different setting and with Amelia knowing who/what she is.

Also, it was kind of annoying how Joshua and Jillian could communicate with Amelia. They would look like crazy people walking down the street having conversations with themselves. At least get a blue-tooth and put it in your ear.

So, even though I didn't really enjoy Arise, I will be reading the next book because I loved Gabriella. I want to find out what happens to her.