Strength (Mark of Nexus #1) by Carrie Butler

"When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.

Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation--and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…

Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.
They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do--even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart." - Strength, Carrie Butler

This was one of the books, i picked in passing, and was planning on taking my time it. BUT wow did i kid myself. This book had me at the 1st page. i could not put it down till i completed it. i LOVED it. 

Rena is awesome, feisty, tough, and stronger than you'd give her credit for. She’s snarky and silly and totally up for just about anything. She’s also thoughtful and a good friend. In fact, all her good friendliness is what gets her in trouble most of the time.(Like most most of us)

Our hero is Wallace, I admit I don't like his name. He came off as nerdy at first and it took me a while to warm up to him as the hot guy. But Wallace has issues. Like major, OMG  life-stopping issues. And everyone on campus, well, at least those in the dorm where Rena and Wallace live, think he’s a freak.(i feel for him)
He has alot of issues, that make him SEEM like a freak, but Rena, being the compassionate and stubborn  person she is, wants to try and figure him out after she literally runs into him in the hallway and he helps her out.

But getting to know Wallace is not as easy as she thinks, so she has to resort to some underhanded sneakiness and go behind his back. Which really gets the whole ball rolling as far as the plot goes. I think this book could’ve started off later in the story and not lost much. I did enjoy a lot of the dialog in the beginning as Rena is trying to figure out what Wallace’s secret is. I hate to say that part was unnecessary, but I can totally see why it was kept in and it was fun, but it slowed the beginning down a little bit.

Also, this book has a good versus evil theme running through it. 

The strong voices of the characters, as well as the easy to read writing style were the first things I noticed. The strength (no pun intended) of the characters is easy to see. You know they have depth. They feel real. Even the secondary characters have great personality. 

I was really intrigued by the paranormal details of the story. I found it to be extremely unique, and I liked how it was sprinkled into a contemporary living environment. I also appreciate the subtle foreshadowing about what was going on with both Rena's normal life and what was happening that was...oddly paranormal. (Odd for a normal college student, at least.)


 I immediately wanted the sequel to this book. As in, I did not want to wait. I swooned, I laughed, I wanted more immediately. Like NOW!!!!!

Endless (The Violet Eden Chapters #4) by Jessica Shirvington

"Love will kill us all."

"Angels are real. They aren't always kind. Violet Eden is certain of all this because she is Grigori - part angel, part human. She has felt the influence of both light and dark. 

When Hell unleashes its worst, Violet must embrace every facet of her angel self to save the people she cares about and the world as she knows it. But death is not the worst thing that Violet will face. For her, the endless question 'Can love conquer all?' will finally be answered." - Endless, Jessica Shirvington


HOLY COW!! This book was just amazing!
Violet. Lincoln. Pheonix. These three are just mind blowing.
What I loved about this book the most is tat it was full of action, suspense, violence and romance. 

Violet gets her mother back but they both have trust issues that they need to deal with. Violet, her dad,Evelyn, Lincoln, Griffin, Spence, and Zoe all get sent to the Academey since they don't fully trust the powers of Evelyn and Violet.

Violet and Lincoln are on the run. Grigori and exiles want them. But Violet must save the children Lilith has taken and most of all, save the world. Lincoln has a plan, and Violet knows that they both are going to die, so they join their souls together as one. 

Violet saves the children, but she had to go through torture. More than 70 arrows piercing her body. She still doesn't die. When they get Violet home, Pheonix kills her then brings her back to life. He did this so that Lincoln and her won't be soul attached anymore. Their souls are now shattered but still Violet had to stay strong

Violet defeats Lilith, Pheonix dies, and Violet jumps of the cliff once more to retrieve Lincoln's soul. She succeeded, but she can't take the pain in knowing that she made mistakes and people had died for her. Because of her.

Violet runs away with her parents. Lincoln is now awake and better but heartbroken. Pheonix is an Angel. Evelyn is now human. 

Violet is finding her true self...

Seriously???? SERIOUSLY!!!! I cried REAL tears when I finished this book. 

Anyway...Jessica Shirvington - hats off to you woman, this is ONE FANTASTIC BOOK!!!! PLEASE NEVER END THIS STORY! 

Emblaze (The Violet Eden Chapters #3) by Jessica Shirvington

"Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice ... and the consequences are unimaginable. 

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.

Now Violet has something Phoenix - the exiled angel who betrayed her - will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too. 

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn't take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.
With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to..." - Emblaze, Jessica Shirvington

Jessica Shirvington has done it again: she has created an impossibly well written novel that kept me reeled in the whole time. She pulled me in so much through this series. Emblaze was an intense novel--not just in the insane plot, but also in the decisions that had to be made, and the love 'triangle' that we've been watching thus far. Shirvington's writing has the ability to plant the reader right in the middle of the action--the reader isn't just reading about what happens, they are experiencing it right along with the characters.

In this installment, we follow Violet, Lincoln, and the rest of the crew as they journey to Greece to stop Phoenix from unleashing Lilith from the pits of Tartarus. There was action on every page--they were fighting exiles, or Phoenix stops in for a visit--there was always something new happening. Add in a volcano and the possibility for mass destruction, and you've got one of the best book plots in the history of book plots!

I once again enjoyed Violet as a character. She's relatable, knows her limits, and fights for what she believes in. She's willing to sacrifice anything, even her own life, for those that she loves, and that is an ever present thing in this novel. Her selflessness is very admirable. 

Lincoln, we finally see Lincoln's true feelings. (AND BOY WAS I HAPPY!) I had been waiting for this profession for what seems like decades (HEHE). Love the idea of finding out how Lincoln and Violet are developing emotionally, physically and through their souls with their Grigori power and human selves its interesting to read about but I love how its more focused on her life and her as a Grigori warrior not so much her love for Lincoln or Phoenix. ( GO GIRL) 

OH, really OMW, the climax is when Violet is hanging on the edge and Lincoln admits his true feelings (HEART STOPPED) I felt all of Violet's emotions when her soul was clawing out of her. It was a great burden to feel those emotions so strongly through a character, how strongly she felt about Lincoln and the turmoil she faced with choices of her family and friends. 

It was also interesting to see how she was developing her powers along the way and I really got a sense of power as she was growing stronger. I loved how Lincoln, even just by being there that night in the park hunting the exile or training her in the park was supporting. He really did help release the tension she was feeling and you know there is so much more to them that you cant explain or answer because it runs deep to the core that not even Violet or Lincoln understand. (INTENSE)

Spence is also what of my favorite characters. He's noble, brave, a little on the reckless side, but he really cares for Violet (friends ONLY!!!), and I just really enjoy his comedic relief that he provides over the course of the novel. 

Now Mrs. Shirvington! I have a bone to pick with you! How could you leave us with that ending?! We have an unexpected character, an evil exile, and just whattt?!

Emblaze was the epitome of a great novel. It had adventure. It had fighting. It had romance. It had everything that you could possibly want in a novel. If you have not yet read this wonderful series, you really should: I can guarantee you that you will not regret it.

book 4 next.....

in a few hours

Entice (The Violet Eden Chapters #2) by Jessica Shirvington

"CONSEQUENCE HAUNTS EVERY CHOICE"

"Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengence of exiled angels. 

Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.


The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed." - Entice, Jessica Shirvington 




AMAZING! This was even better than the first book - trying in so much world history to this fantasy genre without forcing religion on the readers just adds a whole new layer to the story and depth of emotions in the writing. Love the new characters, although the Violet/Lincoln situation is absolute heartbreaking torture! (HEARTBREAKING)


There is not enough good things that I can say about Lincoln. I mean he is pretty much perfect. He is hot, sweet, caring, devoted, and pretty much everything Violet needs. There is one small problem though he happens to be her Grigori partner and if they get together it will weaken them. Her relationship with her partner Lincoln is more complicated than ever. She is totally in love with him and he with her but their relationship is supposedly forbidden. Now Lincoln seems to be pulling away from her even more and she feels that he doesn't trust her. (AHHHH) on top of all that heart break Lincoln seems to be turning to another Grigori for help and Violet is confused and hurt that he would do that.(SCREAMS- when Lincoln was doing this, i wanted to slap him silly). Even though he can’t be with Violet, Lincoln still has a pretty big jealous streak whenever he sees her with another guy. He would do anything to protect her, even lie to her if he felt that was what was best for her.

*side note* The is a new group of Grigori’s that are coming to help her with her training.(EXCITED)

Also she sees Phoenix(OH PHOENIX OH) again and she realizes that he still has a very powerful hold over her. She can’t help but feel sadness and regret for what happened with Phoenix. She is constantly questioning what her feelings for him really are and vice versa. (HMMM)

The exiles have rallied behind Phoenix and they are searching for the scared scriptures. They also seem to be having some help from the inside. There is a traitor among the Grigori and it might be their ultimate downfall. (WONDERS)

Violet will have to learn to harness her powers and fix things with Lincoln or there is no way the Grigori will stand any chance against the exiles.

I totally adore Violet. I think that she is an amazing heroine and she is really easy to connect with. She makes rash decisions at times but she owns up to mistakes that she makes. She is easily distracted especially when it comes to Lincoln, but she seems to always manage to make things right in the end. She has a fun attitude that is filled with smart  remarks and lots of spunk.

Jessica Shirvington has done it again. I loved Embraced and Entice was just as good. The pacing of the book is great and it is really hard to put down. It also has great romance with some pretty steamy scenes. The plot is very intriguing and keeps you guessing the whole way through. I love the characters and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Book 3 next...

Embrace (The Violet Eden Chapters #1) by Jessica Shirvington

"It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before. 

Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.
A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden…"- Embrace, Jessica Shirvington

This book had me at the cover. LOVED. Than i read the synopsis. HOOKED.  At this time i haven't bought the book yet, i was still browsing for books...

OMG OMG OMG! This book blew me away and all other angel books out of my mind, This book pulls you in from the beginning, makes you addicted and wanting more. It was kind of like a drug but in a good way. I tried to go to bed but all I could think about was this book. It has such an interesting plot and storyline with intriguing  characters. The writing of this debut book is in first person, past tense in a straight-forward style and is engaging as it propels the story forward.

The characters in this book are real and kickass. Violet is just plain AMAZING, she is someone to look up to. She makes you feel like your in the book going along with her on all her journeys, fights, and most intimate moments. The only thing that kills me is how blind she is to Lincolns feelings and how fast and easily she turns from him when he is always there for her and always trying to protect her.(SIGH)

 Than there was a guy named PHOENIX

OH, Phoenix (BAD BOY) god, just writing this part about him has me all tingly! What a freaking character he is by far THE best character I have read. He has so many different parts to him and you never know what is real, what hes going to do and how is he really feeling, I feel sometimes he truly does love Violet but he does so much manipulation then in the end the BIG revelation pushes him away from her kind of like Lincoln. Phoenix relationship with Violet reminds me a lot of Damon and Elena.. You will want them to be together (I really do <3) but at the same time you know its going to be short lived, because true colours are going to come out (SIGH)

Now Lincoln again another amazing character (IN LOVE WITH HIM). He makes my heart beat wildly. He is by the books, no nonsense head over heels in LOVE with Violet and she is blind in a way. He makes that one mistake which I wouldn't call it a mistake and she turns and doesn't go back, sometimes he feels her resolve but she pushes Phoenix in his face which doesn't really help and all he wants is her and all he has eyes for is her. God i felt for him in this book like no other character. (POOR GUY)

This book has it all for us the fallen angels, the good the bad, the light and the dark the good and the evil, nail biting, edge of your seat suspense which almost killed me, the love triangle  the fights, the makeups and breakups , friendship and betrayals all wrapped into one pretty little book. 

Part 2 coming up next.....

Wicked Fate (Wicked #1) by Tabatha Vargo

"What if you lived in fear of yourself?"
For Mage McPherson being afraid of herself is just the norm. Thanks to that fear, being a loner in a small town never bothered the mysterious Mage. Once she received her secret abilities, she figured being alone was the safest way to be. That all changes during her sophomore year at Summerville High when Adam, her equally mysterious secret crush, starts to notice her.
Afraid that she might harm Adam, Mage must learn to either control or deny herself. With Adam by her side she's more powerful than she’s ever been, but is she powerful enough to defeat her worst nightmare? She learns a hard lesson about love and magic when her destiny comes to collect." - Wicked Fate, Tabatha Vargo

WOW!! Totally captivating and enthralling!! 
I want to begin by saying that the cover of Wicked Fate is beautiful and it alone is very alluring.( one of the main reasons i decided to read the book) But once i started reading the book the pages draw me  deeper in to the world of Mage and the turmoil that this intriguing teen has to go through.

 I felt sad when Mage was sad. I felt heartache with Adam. I laughed at them and I felt like I was sitting in the garden with them. When I started this story, I felt so sad for Mage. She has no parents and was raised by her grandparents, but she always had these "abilities", making her an outsider. She never had friends, but always had a crush on Adam.(SWEET) . Then Adam begins to notice her and talks to her!(YAY)

Soon, they spend time with each other and Mage begins to "break-out" of her shell (a little bit). However, it can never be that simple. Mage's past begins to haunt her and it all becomes so complex. On top of that a new student, Bernie, enters the social mess of Mage's life, something new wakes up in Mage and sets things in motion for the journey we are taking in Wicked Fate.

Tabatha created some fabulous characters in this unique tale of Wicked Fate. I loved seeing Mage change so much throughout this book as well as her friends.(WHOOP WHOOP). There are times with the events that were happening to Mage, that I couldn't fathom that she was only turning 16.

I really enjoyed this refreshing new tale and I am eagerly awaiting book 2, it left me speechless and hopeful. 

Introductions (The Academy #1) by C.L. Stone

"With an agoraphobic mother and a barely-there father, Sang abhors the isolation keeping her in the shadows. The only thing Sang craves is a fresh start and to be accepted as ordinary by her peers, because for her being different meant being cast out alone.

When her family moves to a new school district, Sang infiltrates a group of boys nearly perfect in every way. Grateful for an influence outside of her parents’ negativity, she quickly bonds with the boys, hoping to blend in and learn from them what it means to have a natural relationship with friends.

Only the boys have secrets of their own and they’ll do anything to keep her safe from the knowledge of the mysterious Academy that they've sworn allegiance to. Bit by bit, Sang discovers that her friends are far from the normalcy she expected. Will her loyalty change when she's forced to remain in the dark, or will she accept that she's traded one house of secrets for another?

Meet Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North in a story about differences and loyalty, truth and mystery, friendships and heart-throbbing intimacy.
The Academy, ever vigilant." - Introductions, C.L. Stone

WOW, what a great beginner book for a series! It is, just as the title implies, an introduction- not only to all the various complex characters, but also the the unique situation they're all in, and the mysterious and exclusive "Academy." 

The depth of Sang's situation is heart-wrenching, and even more-so with the thought that there are really people who deal with the things she's dealing with. A look into her world, and her thoughts- doubts about her worth and self, especially- is only a small part of what makes this book so dynamic and intriguing.

All seven of "the guys" Sang meets and befriends are just perfect- they each have unique personalities, and are a perfect personification of the 7 typical stereotypical young guys. The nerd/leader, the serious grump/bad boy, the muscle/sweet-heart, the questionable musician, the always chipper passionate, the cocky ladies man, and the fun sporty jock. Each is a perfect depiction of a woman's image of that stereotype (and probably what every guy hopes to be, in one form or another). I found myself making comparisons to the 7 dwarfs from Snow White(lol), and found the similarities to that story amusing. I loved each guy, and their combined concern and protectiveness for Sang makes them all that much more desirable.  (a very lucky teen girl)

The writing is very appealing- easy to read, flows smoothly and naturally. The descriptions are very well written, easily imagined, and depicted beautifully. Not overly wordy, but not something that makes you feel stupid for reading- perfect mix. 

Being book one of a four book series, the ground work for the rest of the books was laid out, and very well. It's left me excited to read the rest of the series, and find out what will happen with the Academy, and Sang. I think it has the ability to be one of the next big hit series- certainly something to keep an eye on. <3 It was a cool book to read. it was fun and a light read. 

The Dark Prince (Dark Light #2) by S.L. Jennings

"Dorian Skotos is Dark. And although that brand of sheer, unrelenting evil is a direct threat to her life, Gabriella is tragically in love with him. 

Gabriella knew it was all too good to be true. The way his touch radiated electricity right to her core, the way his ice blue eyes somehow made panties drop involuntarily, how his sexy half-smile crumbled the barriers around her heart…Dorian was extraordinary in every way. 
She ignored the alarm bells for the sake of pleasure and a little slice of peace from her mixed-up life. She thought that whatever he was, she could help him. Maybe even change him. But now that the proof of Dorian’s true identity and what he was sent for is staring her in the face, Gabriella can’t deny the inevitable. And confronting that truth could very well slaughter more than just her fragile heart."- The Dark Prince, S.L. Jennings 

Book 2 OMW Book 2, The Dark Prince kicks off with Gabriella confronting Dorian and learning more about her past and the expectations that both sides have for her - not to mention - finding out what Dorian was really tasked with and falling in love with Gabs was not part of the agenda!! (jaw on the floor)

Gabs and Dorian defy everyone and start their relationship up fresh and fire it up!!(Jumping up and down) This book smokes and burns more than the first one (the spice and heat does not disappoint!) and Gabs is drawn more and more into Dorians world. 

Gabs grows and learns and comes into her own in heartbreaking fashion - she keeps putting herself out there and is seemingly betrayed, hurt, humiliated and has her heart broken at every turn as the powerful forces surrounding them do everything possible to pull Gabs and Dorian apart.(broke my heart to see Gabs in so much pain, i felt her humiliation) 

We are introduced to a new character that I wiggled his way into my heart in a naughty bad boy sorta way and a couple of new characters. (one of which had my blood boiling and temper frying!)

Jared is also on the journey with Gabs and going through his own love and heartbreak as he tries to rekindle the feelings that Gabs used to have for Jared - or did before she met Dorian. (My heart goes for Jared in all he went through)

Her stalker is becoming more dangerous, Gabs and her friends are threatened at every turn with the powerful trying to sway Gabs' choice and this book does culminate with her ascending and making her decision.  ( I guessed her decision, glad to see i was right :D) 

Morgan and the rest of her posse are back - oh and yes Aurora is back - and yes her bitchy pants are still on waaaay too tight!! (Can't count the times I wanted to B-slap that skank)


Amazing Book LOVED it. Can't wait for the third book.

Dark Light (Dark Light #1) by S.L. Jennings

"Love. Sex. Magic."

Before her 20th birthday, Gabriella was pretty much clueless about all three. In love with her best guy friend since the age of 14 and too crass and intimidating for most of the male population of Colorado Springs, love and good sex were virtually a myth.

And then there’s magic. Freakin’ magic. There’s no way that legend could have a place in her less than exciting life. So why after twenty years of utter obscurity do her adopted parents hit her with the ton of bricks that is her true identity? And how the heck is she supposed to accept all this and become what she was truly created to be?

Lucky for Gabs, sexy as sin Dorian is more than equipped to help her embrace these new revelations. And while everything about him feels oh so good, she soon learns that there’s more behind his crystal blue eyes, chiseled body and exotic beauty. Something dark, menacing and downright unnatural. Yet Gabs is in way too deep to even try to turn away from him now. - Dark Light, S.L. Jennings

Talk about a book that has an amazing story, that was full of unexpected twists and exciting turns.These elements and more kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end of the story. Gabriella's feelings (angst, confusion, love, and lust) were effusive and the reader was able to feel what she felt. The first person slant on the story (which I typically do not enjoy but did in this story) allowed the reader to fully engage in Gabriella's world.

Dark Light was intense journey of an average woman finding out about her heritage and coming to terms with it before fully ascending into her powers on her 21st birthday. Once she ascended Gabriella would have to choose her side -- dark or light. But dark and light aren't exactly representative of good and evil in this story. Dark has shades of gray as does the light...and those shades are where Gabriella lies. She is caught between both worlds but both of them equally call to her. Trying to find a balance between who she was and who she is becoming, Gabriella hides her true self (or rather, new self) from her friends and family immersing herself in a world of secrets, half truths, and lies.

The addition of Dorian to the story definitely hitches it up a notch for me. He was mysterious and dark but Gabriella was drawn to him as a bee is drawn to honey. But Dorian isn't all he appears either. He too has his secrets. As Gabriella and Dorian begin the intricate dance of seduction, their worlds are thrown into a tailspin as their unbidden feelings join the dance. Their passion is tangible, their couplings are intense, and their feelings are real. 

The book was amazing and i loved reading it. My only disappointment in the is: WHERE IS THE MAGIC??  

I hope the second book has more magical influences.  
WARNING: Contains strong adult content.

Breaking Point by Jess Bowen

"On our most honored of days, one that none have ever called their own, five will be born. Four will be the Masters of the Elements, fierce warriors, and with talents of immeasurable greatness."

Phoebe Johnson and Ethan Smith had everything they needed: loving parents, great friends, and admission letters to Ivy League schools they’d be heading to in the fall. If only they knew that they were never going to reach the end of that summer, at least, not in the world they knew. A secret waits to be revealed on the eve of their nineteenth birthday, a secret that is going to change their lives forever when it leads them to a place they never believed existed, love they could never imagine living without, and power they never suspected they possessed. - Breaking Point, Jess Bowen

WOW, when I read the synopsis of this book, I  thought I knew what was going to happen in this book, man, I was so wrong. Breaking Point, is one of those few books that i can re-read and enjoy. 

I didn't immediately connect with Ethan and Phoebe when they were still living in the mortal world. Once they journeyed to the magical realm, though (which happens quickly) I was hooked, and couldn't put the book down. (finished the book in 1 night)

Breaking Point is a great YA romance, and contains a bevy of supernatural elements that will satisfy any fan of paranormal romance. From elemental powers, to mythical creatures, the book has it all. What I enjoyed the most was the connection between the characters. To be specific, I really enjoyed the soul connection between Ethan and Lucy, and Phoebe and Dorian, and also enjoyed reading how Phoebe faced so of her problems and how Ethan dealt with unknown talents.

Dorian. Talk about HOT HOT HOT, but he comes off as an ass at first, with his strict, militaristic attitude, and cold demeanor. But, Phoebe sees past his charade when others don't and realizes quickly that  boy is quite the catch. The two share a magical, soul connection that left me breathless on more than one occasion while reading. The spark between those two characters literally took my breathe away. (Can't wait to see how this relationships works out)

The same can be said about the connection between Ethan and Lucy, who I found to be a very cute couple and very innocent. Having lived in the magical realm her entire life, Lucy knows all about the soul connection she and Ethan share, but is unable to expound on it much with him because of some type of ban. This was a little frustrating for me, as I want to know what the deal is between those two ...like now! Little snippets where left throughout, but the bulk of the explanation about connection was left unanswered, most likely to be brought up again in the future books.

Phoebe is a very strong character, who I really enjoyed, for the most part. There were a few instances when she became  bossy and rude at times, but given her situation, the weight of her powers and all that she'd been through, I can understand the why of her actions. Over all she is the very loving and caring to those around her.

Ethan, also a strong character, struggles with self-doubt and a slight inferiority complex throughout. It was interesting to see those struggles play out internally throughout the book, and somewhat refreshing to see a strong male character flounder a bit. Bad Boy pulls it together in the end, though, and holy heck, his powers are amazing! LOVE 

The rest of the cast are as interesting as the main characters, and I can't wait to see what happens to them in the future books.

Warning: There's a major cliff  at the end, which left me shouting WTF in the early hours of the morning. I bet my neighbors were thinking, i have completely lost it.

Ms Bowen, please write fast so i can keep my mind at ease.