Spells by Aprilynne Pike

Review/Reaction of 'Spells' by Aprilynne Pike

The Following Review has SPOILERS!
Please, if you have not read the book, reframe from reading this review before hand. Rated: PG/PG13.


Ello strange lurkers!

I am so excited that I finally finished this book. It took me longer then I thought it would, due to personal life. (It was Mother's Day, plus my neice's first birthday. busy busy!) But that does not mean I didn't enjoy this fantastic book. Because I did! If fact, I'm not scared to admit that I liked this book more then the first. I'd scream it in public if people didn't look at me so weirdly. Which they would. (more so then they already do already. ;) )
What do I love about this book? why has it captured my interest so much? The better question is what haven't I loved?
Lets begin from the beginning shall we?
the first page, starts with Laurel and....Tamani. (see, I told you this book was already better then the first! SQUEE!) It has been months since my BB, got to see his girl. so much has happened with both of them. Tamani is going through a 'lost' and Laurel is actually living it up with David as her official boyfriend.

-I really should try to review this, in the most unbiased way I can....Le. Sigh. I DON'T see this going well.-

I loved that we actually got to see Avalon for real in this book. the details are better in this one then in the last. I thought I was seeing everything pretty clearly in the novel. where as for the last book, I felt like I was missing a puzzle peice. Thank god that's different now. The characters are also growing in this book. Which was a MAJOR plus. I love character development. I feel like Laurel has truely...bloomed in this book. (pun not intented.) She's a bit sarcastic, willing to do anything for her family, and not afraid of what she is anymore. She has accepted it. She's not so naive and she's definately not afraid to speak her mind when it comes to family members. Her voice just seems so much clearer to me in this book in the last and I actually found that I enjoy her character as a whole more. She really is a typical girl. Thinking her boyfriend is it for her when it comes to love. Yet she also struggles with Avalon and of course her feelings for Tamani. (I had to throw him in...he's just....djhjfd!)
Avalon to her is a whole new world that she has grown to love. Though like any regular human, she struggles with the society rules. Especially when it comes to her relationship with a Spring Fairie. Not quite understanding that she, as a Fall Fairie is in a total different class then her friend. (*COUGH* LOVER *COUGH*)
Laurel is balancing two worlds, and I love to see her have problems dealing with both. Teenagers by nature have a lot going on. Add in responabilities to a magical world, and can be a bit much. Especially when your into two different boys from each. It makes a lot of angst in the book and as everyone should know any angst is GOOD ANGST. in my mind.
Aside from Avalon, Laurel is dealing with a mother who (rightfully so) is freaking out that her daughter is not human. That part, I LOVED. But also I felt a bit annoyed at her mother who seems to be avoiding her only daughter, by not even looking at her wings, or walking out the room when Laurel is there. A part of me feels like her mother is a bitch, but then Ms. Sewell is dealing with the supernatural. Realizing the Fairies in her mother's backyard played her. and Played her good too by putting one of their own on her porch. I totally get the freak out.

aside from Laurel, there's her suiters. Her boys. Her lovers. Her TEAM LAUREL FANS.

Okay, Okay. Here's my thoughts (FINALLY) on the triangle.
I still don't feel anything for David. Nothing lost. and Nothing gained. He's a good kid. almost to the point where he's TOOOOO GOOOOD..what with his moral code of cheating and what not. He's gun happy too. Which is understandable given that he nearly died. He just seems to easy though. with him and Laurel. and I personally never go the easy route. It's like Jacob Black in SMeyer's Eclipse saying "It'd be easy as breathing."
I hate that. No relationhip should be easy. The should not always be so damn happy. it's not how the world works, and when you pick up a book, and such you don't want to read about a instant HEA. right away. You want fights. You want passion. You want confusion. and Though admittedly Laurel and David did fight. (especially about Tamani) it just seemed to...petty. I have to say though even though I care zip about David...that scene with Tamani/David/Laurel. I feel sorry for the guy. I will give him props for having to put aside his emotions with Laurel for the greater good. WELL DONE DAVID. Your not a asshat. Bravo. another thing about David that I can't ignore is he wants Laurel to choose for herself. On her future. Good boy, David. Good Boy.

(DUDE. I'M TRYING NOT TO SOUND BIASED. I REALLY AM. IT'S HARD.)

Tamani in the triangle is who I probably feel most sorry for. (Didn't see that one coming did you?) He has years of being in love with this girl. His best friend at a time. and yet she plays him worse then she does with David. Because atleast she admits to David openly that she loves him. Yet everytime she goes to Avalon she feels like she's nearly going to kiss Tamani. I'm so proud of Tamani for sticking to his guns in THAT scene. (we'll call the T/L/D scene THAT scene. Kay?) I'm proud that he basically told her that she was scared to choose between them, because then she wouldn't have her cake and eat it too. AMAZING for his character. who has made it clear, he'd do anything for her. Even break society rules. He was just so fed up with all her bull crap. and he has good reason for it too. in THAT scene. He was hurt and angry, and so...fucking amazing.
I LOVE IT.
The only thing I would comment on in this character is he expects so much of Laurel. for her to choose him and be in Avalon with him. But when your in love it's kind of hard not too. Being with her makes him forget that she doesn't remember being friends. (FIX THAT PIKE! I WANT HER TO REMEMBER!) and that way she looks at Tamani, I could definately see why that is. He just wants her to choose him. be with with him. But that doesn't mean he should pressure her to staying, then again he is right. it's her birthright to be there like the rest of them. ANGST I tell you. Angst.

Now the ending of the book.
(Remeber, I warned you of spoilers)

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TAMANI? I IS CONFUSED. WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING?? THAT IT TAKES THAT LONG?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING BABY??

fangirl dies. I love Cliffhangers. and Hate them at the same time. You amazing woman Pike. Can't wait to start the next book, which I do today.

For other reasons as to why I enjoyed it so much:
The book is fast pace. faster then the last. and has a LOT going on. Barnes is back and evil evil evil! There's new characters, new questions and a whole hell of a lot of fairie stuff happening in Laurel's world and it's lovely. Over all, if your into sexy Fairies and triangles then READ READ READ. if your think your too grown up to be reading about Avalon and Fairies. I got a question for you. Why are you reading my page?

Happy Readings,
Tiff

Tiff's Rating: FIVE cookies out of five.

Currently Reading: Spells by Aprilynne Pike

Currenly Reading: I can not wait to read this. I don't know when I'll start it. It all depends on when I get my hands on the iBook for my phone. Remember. My eReader totally died on me. I suspect I'll get it within the day or the next. Keep your fingers crossed. cuz I NEED more Tamani! ;)
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'Spells' by Aprilynne Pike

of The Wings Series.

Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever.

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?

Rated: Undecided.

Wings By Aprilynne Pike

Review of 'Wings' By Aprilynne Pike

The Following Review has SPOILERS!
Please, if you have not read the book, reframe from reading this review before hand. Rated: PG

Hello!
Finally, I'm back to reading young adult fiction. My personal favorite gene. I'm so glad I started back in with this book. For not only is the cover beauitful and fitting, It is actually quite a decent book. If your into fairies and magical worlds. Which lately I am. Not only is it about fairies, it has AURTHURIAN LEGENDS. My inner-fangirl was squealing with joy over that. I love me some Merlin action, Avalon, Trolls. You name it. I love it. and 'Wings' has it. I love the mythology of the fairies in this book. it's new and different, without it being a a huge leap. In this story the fairies are in fact Planets, walking, breathing, living planets. who are born from Seeds. (Hello Thumblina!) and the main character finds out that's exactly what she is. Laurel is in complete denial about the obvious, which is realistic, and she confines her secrets to her friend and love interest David. Whose a science geek with his own microsope. Personally, I will admit, I have no love for David as a character. He's a Male-Mary Sue. and lack any personally, humor and the spark that draws you to a character. I could honestly tell someone that I don't like him and I don't hate him. He's just...there. His crush is very apparent from the get go, where as Laurel feels...unsure of David. Not knowing what she wants with him. He's not completely handsome but he's not ugly either. I believe her feelings are mook at this point, where as everyone around the school keep pushing her to define her feelings right away. Which she just doesn't know right now. Though that doesn't stop Laurel from stealing a kiss with the boy-next-door. Or him.
Their interaction was completely normal for friends, till they started macking on each other then it's weird. and to be frank I found their relationship boring.
Laurel as a character is realistic but also quite bland, but somehow endearing. relatable. (That is if I were too, growing wings on my back.) Naive to the extreme. She has showed signs of not being normal from beginning. No need of washing her hair, her eatting habits, lack of heart beat, and she never has had a cut or anything sort of blood come out of her. I blame this on her parents and their sheltering ways. and now that she's at normal school instead of homeschool, it's opened her eyes too the differences. But still. You would think one would notice?
It's about halfway in the book that things really picked up.....
Okay, I'm lying.
It's when Tamani came into the picture that I got sucked in.
I am famous for falling for the quick whit, cocky, forward types and Tamani (Though the name is girly--I soon forget about that detail though. He's hot.) is no different. He had me from the first scene he walked in on. I love how he was decribed with the Green and Black hair--I found that really creative and down right cool. I personally felt more for Laurel and Tamani's interactions. (Hello, Their kiss was earth shattering and made my heart pound. where David's multple kisses did nada for moi.)
The whole time after reading his first scene, I just wanted Laurel to go back into the forrest and get to chatting with Tam! The only thing that made me question if I liked them as a pairing was the build up and it turns out Tamani and Laurel were BFFs back in the day and Laurel's memory had been erased leaving Tamani heartbroken and determind to have his girlpal back.
so basically that could only sway me in one direction.
HDKHKH I SHIP IT.
The Poor BB, lost his best friend and fell in love with her throughout the years knowing she couldn't remember him.
HELLOOOO.. how couldn't ship that? (aside from you David shippers?)
He was hands down the best character. and the way the book ended, it just gave me hope for them. I Loved it.
As for the writing, it's very easy to read. not at all complicated/ the only thing I would criticize is the details. I could use a little bit more. and that it didn't flow. Maybe if I read the actual book verson and not the iBook, It would of been formatted differently but I still stand by my statement on the details. I wanted to see things more clearly in my head, and maybe it was just me but on something, I just couldn't.( it was mainly in the David and Laurel scenes. Maybe I'm biased. Haha. )
Over all I would definately recommend this book if you want a filler book. Like say if your having trouble figuring out what to read next and your pressing for time. Pick this book up. You wont be disappointed. especially when Tamani comes into place. The next book needs more of him. perferably shirtless.

Happy Readings.
Tiff

Tiff's Rating: FOUR cookies out of five.

Fifty Shades Darker By E.L James

Review of  'Fifty Shades Darker' By E.L James

The Following Review has SPOILERS!
Please, if you have not read the book, reframe from reading this review before hand.

Rated: M for Mature readers.

I will make this a somewhat short review of Fifty Shades Darker, Since it's been a little while since I've read it. (A little over a week) and the book is mixing a little with Fifty Shades Freed.

Fifty Shades Darker is by far my favorite in this book series. As I perdicted from the first novel, I enjoyed it a lot more then the last book.  Christian has grown in my eyes. I started to actually like Mr. Fifty Shades, and could easily see why Anasastia Steele fell for him. But once again Christian's controlling nature puts my feelings for him at bay. and I fustrates me to no end. I'm not going to lie, the pairing of Christian and Ana annoyes me. Because where as he grows as a person, she comes acorss as weak. I really was hoping for a little bit more of a resistance to Christian from Ana. I wanted to see Christian work for her forgiveness, given their last encounter, but low and behold, the evening he appears to say sorry, these two crazy cats get hot and fresh. Admittly, it's the way Ana wants it. She wants the vaniella sex and Christian is up for that as long as he has Ana, but there is no limit where Christian Grey tries to control this woman. I stated in the Fifty Shades Freed review that I liked one scene where Ana found her voice and gave Mr. Grey a word-lashing. But I truely believe that scene should of happened in this book. These two should of talked about Elena in this book, They should of talked period. I understood why these two didn't actually have the get to know you thing going on for them because Christian didn't want that. He wanted Ana as a submissive, but once he started wanting Ana as more then a Sub. I wanted to ask him. Why? Why did he want her? he didn't really know her, truely. What he knows is what he got by stalking her. and getting her background checked. Oh and how she responds while he pleasures her. Her body he knows, Her date of birth and the latter? most definately but What is her favorite color? What is her favorite movie? How does she feel about this topic and this topic?
None of those he knows. I know knowing those things don't equal up to love. But Christian believes Ana is a brave, strong woman. I'm just trying to figure out how and why.
Elena once again makes her apperence in this book. and once again I hate her. I can't stand cougars. and she just makes me sick. Ex-Subs are everywhere in this book and it turns out Christian likes to punish burnettes. I would be more freaked out by this personally, but Ana seems perfectly fine with everything. He's her Fifty Shades after all. ( O.o )
The pace in this book is a lot better then the last. I like the drama of Christian and Elena, and even Jack Hyde. (Ana...your a moron for wanting to go to NY. I even knew that douche was bad. BLIND WOMAN!)
The writing is about the same as it is in the rest of the book. The sex is...there. as always. Christian is barable here. Ana is...*SKIPS*
over all this book was better. I loved the I love yous from Christian. Very in character. The Elena scene in the back with Grace being a BADASS MILF? check.
Over all...This is book I liked the most. and if the last book was like this one I would of recommend it.

Happy Readings Lovlies!

Tiff

Tiff's Rating: FOUR cookies out of Five.

Fifty Shades Freed By E.L James

Review of 'Fifty Shades Freed' By E.L James

The Following Review has SPOILERS!
Please, if you have not read the book, reframe from reading this review before hand.

Rated:  M for Mature readers.

I know I'm making this series' review completely out of order but, I have to write this while it's fresh in my mind. Please forgive. I will be posting 'Fifty Shades Darker' soon. Possibly after this post as a matter of fact.

 (WARNING, THIS REVIEW MAY HAVE SPOILERS ABOUT FIFTY SHADES DARKER. YOU ARE WARNED.)

Now, on to the good stuff.
Fifty Shades Freed picks up a little bit after Fifty Shades Darker left off. Ana and her Fifty Shades of fucked up are married and of course their emerging themselves in a top notch honeymoon, curisty of Christian Grey. I will give the man this, he sure knows how to please a woman. in the bedroom and in the gift department. It makes me was gonna go out and land a billionaire for myself. Though their honeymoon is not all sunshine and roses as this is Anastasia Steel-now-Grey and Christian Grey we are talking about. Throughout the whole book, I began to see a Patterning with these two. They have their light moments. Which make you go aw, they have their bumps. They have war--*coughs*--Fights.and then they make up by having either 'vanilla' sex or 'Kinky Fuckery.' as they called it. There is no between with these two. No fight that is to small. No disagreement, because when they do, Ana usually decides it's not worth the fighting. Since I've been reading this series, I've had to ask myself...Would I put up with Christian as Ana does?
and Today, I have my answer.
Fuck No.
No matter what problem Christian Grey has, weather it's his predo-ex or his whore of a mother, That makes no excuse for how he treats Ana and over all everyone around him. Near the end, I even started to hate the bastard just a little bit. I even started to wonder if I should even finish, since I already knew the ending. It was obvious that Ana was going to forgive him. Of course. Still it wasn't just Christian who fustrated me. At first it was Ana. Christian even seemed reasonable in the beginning of the book, What with everything that was going on. Ana seemed insistant on not even considering his demands about trying to keep herself safe.
It just makes me feel like I'm reread 'Twilight' again during those scenes.
I will say that though the couple annoyed the hell out of me, the plot was once again better then the first book. Jack Hyde was again apparent and Ana giving herself over to him was....predictable. I think the reason why that is is because I've read so many fanfics in my past that I could tell the route that it's gonna go. Fifty Shades was indeed a fanfic, and it has the formula for that. What I did like in the book is Christian seeing Elena after swearing he wouldn't. Because THAT shocked me. And made Ana pissed off enough that she actually found her voice. She gave him what he needed. a nice word-lash. and I loved it. If she had kept that up through the book series, I could honesly see myself loving the character.
and even though at this point in the story, I was mad at Christian I still felt something when Ana went to the bank. I don't know how to explain it but I felt bad for the arse. I blame the writing in the book. Though it's not the best written peice of lit known to man, I felt for Mr. Grey. Which makes me question my sanity.
as for the pace of the book. It started off slow. and about half way, it got better. I believe the second book is my favorite. It honestly took me to long to read and I partly blame the pace.
Now the best part of the book? the part I'VE been waiting for?
Christian realizing what he and Ms. Robinson had, was...WRONG.
It's sad to see that he couldn't see it before then, but when he finally did, I could hug the control freak. No matter what he's done. He didn't deserve what happened to him. No one does. and finally hearing about how that Elena bitch kiss him and slapped him grossed the shit out of me. They should of had that talk a longgg time ago. They should of had a LOT of chats like that to be truthful. But then again...This is Fifty Shades. about S&M. Not the best romance ever.
I'm giving this book a 3 1/2 because I did finish it. It had SOME aspects I liked. But the characters were too fusrating for me to truely enjoy this book. I congratulate Ms. James though for writing and getting published. That's a fret all Fanfiction writers dream of, and I'm likely jealous of her acommplishments.
Next time she writes a book though? Lack off the Fanfic formula and write characters who aren't as control, nor blind.

That's all peeps.

Happy Readings!
Tiff

Tiff's Rating: THREE IN A HALF cookies. out of five.

Fifty Shades Of Grey by E.L James

Review of 'Fifty Shades Of Grey' By E.L. James

The Following Review has SPOILERS.
Please if you have not read the book, do reframe from reading this review before hand.

Rated: M For Mature Readers.

This book is complicated. Much like Christan Grey. First and foremost lets state the facts. It's obvious that it was once a Twilight Fanfic on the web. The Writer doesn't try to hide from that. The similarities are...apparent. That asided, The book invokes mixed emotions from me personally. Though I all for some good sensual romance, like Ana, I'm new to S&M. I've never been a fan to the concept, which is what is so shocking about me reading this book. My sister insisted I read it. I did. and now I'm sitting here replaying everything in my head. Did I like it? Hm. It's a fifty-fifty for me, no pun intended. On one side, I like the compullsion of the book. Like the main character I wish to know all about Christan myself but then there's the other side of me that wants to kick him in the babymaker for being so controlling. But I suspected there was more to the story involving that part of him. and I was interested to know. curiousty has got the best of me, I have read the second book after all. 
 Christian Grey is just as he is decribed. beauitful but deeply flawed. He obvious is one of those victims that don't believe anything is wrong with what has happened to him. when it's obvious to everyone else. it's fustrating to read as a reader because the whole time you want to strangle the man and the ones responsable for his his mind set.
Ana, to me as a character is a lot like "Bella Swan" in this book. She's blinded by good looks and those sweet rare moments to see that Christan is quite dominating. She knows he hurts her, yet she goes back for more. Again I understand her curiousness. As I admitted, I am too. But when someone even admits he wants to hurt her, and talks about gagging her and putting her in a crete one would be out of their mind to go back. Joking or not. (which he admitted wasn't a joke..) I think even I would run away.
Christian is currect. He is fifty shades of fucked up and Ana is to curious for her own good. Many around the world are talking about this series, and it seems everywhere I look I see people loving it or hating it. either way it's talked about. The other day I saw it on the Dr. Oz show. With adult women who are married and claims it helps them in the bedroom. Which I could definately see how. It's sensual and very decriptive. Which means Teenagers/Children should not be reading this book. It has it's good things and it's bad. and it's definately intriguing in a 'stays in my personal closet sort of way.'
The ending of the book however did please me greatly. A lot of people will find that suprising but I felt like the ending was needed. To have Christian grow as a character, and maybe enlighten him to other people's emotions rather then being the 'dominating' person that he is. Before I read the next book, It was that hope that had me even considering opening the next. And if your new to the series, enjoy reading, but do it with critical eyes as I have. The writing style was overall easy going. Everything is easy to picture and it has a unspeakable element that makes people continue on till the next page and the next. It also makes you question what one would do in a similiar situation. What is your limit? How would you response to such a request? Where the book lacks in plot it makes up for in conversty. That's for sure. Keep that in mind sweethearts and if you have no problem with BDMS and Pricks with a rough past then maybe this is the book for you. As a whole, the book is intense and if your into that kind of thing, go a head. pick up the book. It will
open your mind to the kind of sexual experiences that is rarely talked about.

Happy Reading lovelies,
Tiff

Tiff's Rating: TWO AND A HALF cookies out of five.

Reading Currently

Currently Reading: At the moment, my eReader is broken. as most readers know, eBooks are extremely cheaper then Books in general and It'll probably a while before I actually put on a review. Though I did get a new book the other day.

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Fifty Shades Freed by E L James

Of The Fifty Shades Trilogy.

When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.

Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.

Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.

Rating: RATED M for Mature.

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I have read the other two books and Will be posting reviews once I figure out how to post extended pages on Blogger.  :)