Book Review: Almost Midnight - C.C. Hunter

Almost Midnight - C.C. Hunter

Novella Collection

Nestled deep in the woods, Shadow Falls is a secret camp where teens with supernatural powers learn to harness their abilities in the normal world.

Independent and strong-willed Della Tsang did not believe in vampires...until she became one.  Chase Tallman is the newest member of Shadow Falls, but what made him into the sexy, mysterious vampire he is today?  And what led him to Della Tsang?  An for Miranda Kane, magic has always been something she's struggled with, but when an opportunity to test her powers takes her to Paris, she'll have to prove that she's a witch to be reckoned with and belongs at Shadow Falls.

3/5 stars (liked it)

I had previously read the first story.  I loved seeing how Chase became a vampire.  And what he was like as a human.  We had heard his story in Della's After Dark Series but it was nice to see things from his point of view.  Also learning more about Miranda and her family.  Seeing Miranda as more than a witch that can't control her powers.  Also Fredericka, the were we met in Kylie's Series.  We see her background and see another side of her.

Book Review: Pawn - Aimee Carter

Pawn - Aimee Carter

YOU CAN BE A VII.  IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice.  She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked--surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances.  As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous.  She will be adored.  And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch.  She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed and one Kitty believes in.  Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose--and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

3/5 stars (liked it)

Kitty was a little whiny at times and I found her annoying.  But overall I liked the story.  Although Kitty loves Benjy, it really wasn't much of a love story.  The story was more about the society and how people are treated unfairly.  Those with high marks get the privileged life and those with lower marks get crappy jobs.  The marks are based on intelligence and how well they do on a test.  But it really isn't fair because those born into high marks are destined to get high marks.

Book Review: Why Not Me? - Mindy Kaling

Why Not Me? - Mindy Kaling

In Why Not Me?, Kaling shares her ongoing journey to find contentment and excitement in her adult life, whether it's falling in love at work, seeking new friendships in lonely places, attempting to be the first person in history to lose weight without any behavior modification whatsoever, or most important, believing that you have a place in Hollywood when you're constantly reminded that no one looks like you.

3/5 stars (liked it)

I enjoyed her first book and I think I enjoyed this one even more.  I loved hearing about her time as a writer on The Office and how she started out in her own show.  As well as what it's like in Hollywood and how other celebrities act.  Even though she didn't specifically name some people.  My favorite part of the book was her pictures of what a typical day is like for her.

Book Review: The Sword of Summer - Rick Riordan

The Sword of Summer - Rick Riordan

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid.  Since his mother's mysterious death, he's lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he's tracked down by a man he's never met--a man his mother claimed was dangerous.  The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true.  The gods of Asgard are preparing for war.  Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday.  To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die...

4/5 stars (really liked it)

I loved learning about Norse Mythology, which is not something I really knew much about.  I love how Rick Riordan can make it so interesting and then make the world of Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Norse Mythology work in the same world.  Magnus is a very likable character as well as his friends that help him out.  The gods interferences are not always welcomed but they always have a purpose.  I can't wait to continue this series!