Title: Devoted (Elixir #2)
Author: Hilary Duff
Published: September, 2011 by Simon & Schuster
Thanks: Simon & Schuster, AU
Pages: 350
Rating:  
Purchase: The Book Depository

Since Sage was kidnapped, Clea has no way of knowing if he is alive or dead. And even though she has only just discovered they were soulmates, she feels like a part of her is lost forever. What’s worse, she can’t even turn to her best friend Ben—because every time she looks at him, all she sees is his betrayal.

But waiting for something to happen is not an option, so Clea is ready for action. Suffering through dreams of seeing Sage with another woman, she makes an uneasy alliance with Sage’s enemies and sets out to be reunited with Sage…in this life or the next.

Final Thoughts:
I probably could have written five different reviews if I’d chosen to write it while I was still reading this. Devoted had me intrigued, impressed, shocked, frustrated, and downright ready to throw the book away. Not necessarily in that order. A lot of new ground is covered in its second outing. The feel of the first book is still there, but we’re left with an air of tension throughout the majority of this one. While Devoted does focus predominantly on Clea and Sage, and their struggles, I found the ancillary characters actually held a lot more depth.

Title: The Mephisto Covenant (The Mephisto Covenant #1)
Author: Trinity Faegen
Published: September, 2011 by EgmontUSA
Thanks: EgmontUSA via NetGalley
Pages: 439
Rating:  
Purchase: The Book Depository

Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger—Sasha is Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggest threat.

A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant—God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searching for: Sasha.

With the threat of Eryx looming, Jax has to keep Sasha safe and win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?

Final Thoughts:
After spending my weekend stumbling through a not-so-great book, I was rewarded with the delight that was The Mephisto Covenant. It’s fast paced, always moving through more and more tribulations. Plus, a romance that actually takes it’s time to build, with lots of will-they-won’t-they. Switching back and forth between the two main characters, Sasha and Jax, we get to see the inner struggles of each. Both POVs are fun, witty, strong and believable. And for once, I enjoyed the high school aspect of the book.

Title: Blood (Mercian Trilogy #1)
Author: K.J. Wignall
Published: September, 2011 by EgmontUSA
Thanks: EgmontUSA via NetGalley
Pages: 272
Rating:  
Purchase: The Book Depository

“I do not remember being bitten. I wish I did, for then I would know the creature who did this to me and I would have a purpose, to track him down and repay him for the poisoned gift he gave me.”

Back in the 13th Century, Will was destined to be Earl of Mercia. He never lived to inherit his title, struck down by a strange illness and buried beneath the city walls. But Will was not dead, and only now, seven lonely centuries later, does he begin to understand that there was a reason for all of this, that he has a destiny. To find it though, he will need help, and as ever, he will need blood.

Final Thoughts:
Slightly too slow paced with the romance, but fast paced in terms of plot. Here a previously hibernating vampire is thrust into an unexpected destiny. Full of culture shock and lots of sword action. I enjoyed the different take on the lore and was relieved to have found a vampire unopposed to drinking blood, but unfortunately wasn’t thrilled with the level of coincidence used to bridge the plot together.

Title: Forsaken (The Demon Trappers #1)
Author: Jana Oliver
Published: February, 2011 by Pan Macmillan
Pages: 422
Rating:  
Purchase: The Book Depository

Riley has always wanted to be a Demon Trapper like her father, and she’s already following in his footsteps as one of the best. But it’s tough being the only girl in an all-guy world, especially when three of those guys start making her life more complicated:

Simon, the angelic apprentice who has heaven on his side; Beck, the tough trapper who thinks he’s God’s gift, and Ori, the strikingly sexy stranger who keeps turning up to save her life.

One thing’s for sure – if she doesn’t keep her wits about her there’ll be hell to pay…

Final Thoughts:
Demon hunting in a slightly dystopian world. Took a while to connect with, but stick with it as Forsaken is full of personal struggles, financial struggles and power struggles. There are many potential romances circling the main character which leave you wondering who Riley’s going to end up with, if she’ll make it as a trapper in an all-guys world and if she’s going to be able to save that world from the demonic invasion.

Title: Burn Bright (Night Creatures #1)
Author: Marianne de Pierres
Published: March, 2011 by Random House AU
Pages: 316
Rating:  
Purchase: The Book Depository

Retra doesn’t want to go to Ixion, the island of ever-night, ever-youth and never-sleep. Retra is a Seal – sealed minds, sealed community. She doesn’t crave parties and pleasure, experience and freedom. But her brother Joel left for Ixion two years ago, and Retra is determined to find him.

Braving the intense pain of her obedience strip to escape the only home she’s ever known, Retra stows away on the barge that will take her to her brother. When she can’t find Joel, Retra finds herself drawn deeper into the intoxicating world of Ixion. Come to me, whispers a voice in her head. Who are the Ripers, the mysterious guardians of Ixion? What are the Night Creatures Retra can see in the shadows? And what happens to those who grow too old for Ixion? Retra will find that Ixion has its pleasures, but its secrets are deadly.

Final Thoughts:
I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. From someone who usually eats up the paranormal romances, I found the lacking romantic front slightly refreshing. Sure Burn Bright is a culture shock at first, but it’s a good one. The first quarter of the book had me struggling to take everything in. There were strange names, language barriers and differing beliefs as well as flying boats and pirates. Yes, I immediately knew Burn Bright was different. No snuggly werewolves or mopey vampires here. But once I got over the initial bump and settled into the magic of Ixion, I couldn’t put this baby down.

Title: Unwelcome (Archangel Academy #2)
Author: Michael Griffo
Published: September, 2011 by K Teen (Kensington)
Thanks: Kensington
Pages: 392
Rating:  
Purchase: The Book Depository

Archangel Academy is more than a school to Michael Howard. Within its majestic buildings and serene English grounds, he’s found friends, new love, and a place that feels more like home than Nebraska ever did. But the most important gift of Archangel Academy is immortality. . .

Life as a just-made vampire is challenging for Michael, even with Ronan, an experienced vamp, to guide him. Michael’s abilities are still raw and unpredictable. To add to the turmoil, the ancient feud between rival vampire species is sending ripples of discord through the school. And beneath the new headmaster’s charismatic front lies a powerful and very personal agenda.

Yet the mysteries lurking around the Academy pale in comparison to the secrets emerging from Michael’s past. And choosing the wrong person to trust—or to love—could lead to an eternity of regret. . .

Final Thoughts:
Unwelcome is a wild ride of romance, lust, family politics and a hell of a lot of sexy vampires. With so many plots winding their way around our boys, Archangel Academy has never been more hectically intriguing. It’s hard to know if there’s a betrayal lurking around the corner that you just can’t stop reading.

Title: Ballad (Books Of Faerie #2)
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Published: October, 2009 by Scholastic
Pages: 386
Rating:  
Purchase: The Book Depository

When his best friend, Dee, fell in love with a faerie, James realized she’d never feel the same way about him.

Trying to escape into music, James joins a private conservatory for musicians. James’ musical talent attracts Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. Before he knows it, James is trapped in a dangerous game. One where the only way to win is to betray the one you love…

Final Thoughts:
Ballad feels more like a companion novel rather than a sequel. Sure it follows on from the aftermath of Lament, although it does so in a way that reinvents the world in which we’ve grown accustomed to. Dee is no longer in control as her best friend, James, takes the lead. In fact, Dee is barely visible now and when she is, she’s utterly frustrating. With James’s POV, we get to experience a witty character from the inside. Someone who was once an endless supply of one-liners is now full of struggles and emotion. Rest assured though that there is still enough romance going on, only in a different way.