Holiday Hiatus & What's to Come

Hey you,

Yes you. 

Come closer. 

A little bit more. 

More. 

Perfect. 

Now I'm going to share something important and top secret with you. 

There can be no sharing, no whispering exchange of the information I'm about to share with you right now. 

Are you ready?

Are you really? 

Yes? 

Okay. I'll trust you to make your own decisions. 

But don't say I didn't warn you. 

Okay, maybe that would've been a little funnier in person, with me actually burping in your face. I'm known to be able to do a MEAN burp. Yep...of cour- yeah, no not really. 

So this post is exactly what it sounds like. With Christmas and the New Years around, the holidays tend to be as stressful as they are fun. I know I personally have a really busy schedule these next two weeks, and I thought it wouldn't be fair to be pretty MIA with no explanation. I love blogging and talking about books with cool people (that's you, darling), but sometimes I just need a short little break to refresh myself. Blogging isn't a piece of cake, it's fairly time consuming. It takes a while to sit down and write a review, find links, and then go visit and comment on other blogs. 

As I'm writing this post though, I'm also writing up a few posts to be scheduled in the next week or two so the blog won't be empty empty while I'm gone. I don't know if Sarah or Izzy will post during winter break, but if they do, you'll have that to look forward to too. No promises though.

I'll still be somewhat active on Twitter, but I won't be posting anything other than the ones I'll be writing today and tomorrow. 

And some of you guys might like to know, the memes are returning. At least for these next two weeks. After that, I'm going back to doing them when I feel like it. 

If you have any questions or general concerns over the course of my short hiatus, or if you'd just like to stop by and say hi, you can tweet me @Kami178xx. I'll try my best to respond in a timely matter. 

Oh, and congratulations to you if you're reading this post. 

You, my dearest friend, survived the End of the World. And even with the lack of brain-eating zombies, crumbling ruins of what was once populated cities, and more; that is quite the accomplishment, if I do say so myself. So 12/21/12 wasn't humanity's doomsday. But if you've been taken to the next level of Enlightenment  or something, do let me know in the comments down below. Anyhow...

You can read on if you're interested in whats to come at Wake Up at Seven, courtesy of Kaede, during the end of December. Otherwise, if not, take care and I'll see you guys in the new year! 

THE DEFINITE REVIEWS: 

"With it's vivid descriptions of Wonderland, and the stunning style of writing, A.G. Howard has skillfully created a debut novel you won't want to miss, be it for it's beautiful cover or the praise-worthy content inside." - Kaede @ Wake Up at Seven

Estimate Review Post Date: 12/23-12/24

Recommended Status: HIGH 

Covet Worthy: EXTREME 

Add SPLINTERED to Goodreads!

"Friendship, first love, and fantasy artfully mesh in this magically realistic world that ultimately celebrates life." - Book Synopsis

Estimate Review Post Date: 12/28-12/29

Recommended Status: Meh 

Covet Worthy: Middle Ground

Add THE WRAP-UP LIST to Goodreads!

"Fantastic in it's own way, Through the Ever Night manages to expand on what appealed to readers in Under the Never Sky and make it into something even more impressive to behold. This is one series you'll regret if you miss out on." - Kaede @ Wake Up at Seven

Estimate Review Post Date: 12/25

Recommended Status: HIGH 

Covet Worthy: EXTREME

Add THROUGH THE EVER NIGHT to Goodreads!







THE MAYBE REVIEWS:

MEMES:

 [This is a maybe. Teaser Tuesday isn't definite currently.]



Short Story Saturday (Hosted by Lauren @ 365 Days of Reading. I don't think there's a header that she created for her meme, so I can't provide one. And I'm too lazy to make my own. Tsk.)

SPECIALS: 

Best of 2012 Survey! - There're a few of these roaming around the blogging community, and so I'm gonna try to hunt down my favorite. This post will be an exception and will not be typed until December 30th, to give all books a fair chance. Who knows? I might read a book on my hiatus that'll blow me away (hopefully not literally, with how windy it's been here). Cause guys, I'm still reading even if I'm not blogging, you know. But if I'm super busy, the post might be delayed. If so, I apologize in advance. I'll also try and see if I can get Sarah and Izzy's answers, but again, no promises!

Stacking the Shelves #11 - THE EPIC AND LAZY EDITION: I think this speaks for itself. We're ending off the year with a bang! There's gonna be a hell lotta goodies in this post, that is, if I tire myself out and take a whole day putting this together. You'll see books that Sarah got too! Isn't that exciting? So someone sent me a long prep talk so I'm not afraid to attempt this long overdue post.

If you managed to successfully read all that, kudos to you! I never said this would be a short update, sweetheart. Anyway, big thanks to all of you readers of Wake Up at Seven out there, this blog wouldn't be the same without each of you. Whether or not you're a silent reader or a frequent commenter, know that we appreciate every single one of you. I can already see 2013, and we hope you'll continue to follow us through the coming year. We have lots of splendid reviews and giveaways planned for you guys! I also want to take the time to thank all the fantastic authors and publishers I personally had the chance to work with, all of you guys were nothing short of awesome! I've met some fantastic people through blogging, and this is truly an experience I won't forget, even after I stop. Though I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I really and truly love all of you, and love what I do.

xoxo, 
Kaede

--  

Contact Kaede: 

Email: kimberlyho75@yahoo.com
Goodreads: Kaede
Twitter: Kami178xx

ARC Review of Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep

Crimson Frost

By: Jennifer Estep

Review by: Kaede
Release Date: December 24, 2012

Publisher: Kensington

Pages: 354 (ARC); 384 (Finished Paperback)

Series: Mythos Academy (#4)

Format: Paperback ARC 

Source: Publisher (Thank you, Kensington Teen!)

Other Titles in the Series: First Frost (#0.5) Touch of Frost (#1), Kiss of Frost (#2), Dark Frost (#3)

Other Titles by the Author: Elemental Assassin Series

Buy the Book: Amazon

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming.
I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself…

So rarely does a series leave me frustrated and wanting more, but Crimson Frost, the fourth novel in the Mythos Academy series, managed to accomplished both with ease.

With it's cast of vibrant and likable characters, Jennifer Estep has no problem capturing her readers' attention. Although these books aren't exactly thinly sized, I find myself flying through them and eagerly anticipating the next one. All the Mythos Academy books are what I call perfect slump-breakers.

Have you ever found yourself sitting down with a book, or two, or a stack, and nothing seems to interest you? Are all your most anticipated books suddenly not doing it for you? Do you not feel like re-reading your all time favorites, and rather set on trying something new? 

Haven't read the urban fantasy Mythos Academy series? Then there's your key! Go on and pick the first one up! Available in all retail book stores. 

Dang, I'd do great trying to sell cheap, lame, and over-exaggerated products (although Crimson Frost is far from that) to unexpected customers. Perhaps someone should consider hiring me to make advertisements. There's a catch though. I'd probably suck, actually, and try to rip you off.

But in all seriousness, Crimson Frost was impressively impressive, in more then one way. I found that while reading, I realized that characters I've been with for a while have grown into splendid individuals, each gifted with their own irreplaceable talents.

Gwen, our main character, definitely didn't start off the series as the person she becomes in Crimson Frost. Gwen didn't give me a particularly bad impression, in fact, it was far from that. But she didn't seem like blow-me-away-amazing quality. Just a solid heroine who makes mistakes and takes a bit of time to fully realize the consequences of her actions. But I saw definite potential in not only Gwen, but every character - friend or foe. And with confidence, I can clearly say that my trust in what I believed would be a fantastic and fun series was not misplaced.

With all the chaos and tension that surrounded the last few months of Gwen's life, I think it's pretty safe to say that a date with the one and only Logan Quinn in peace and quiet is definitely not a possibility for our darling protagonist. And it isn't. Right of the bat, Gwen finds herself arrested. And for a crime she didn't commit, no less.

And I know what you're thinking, my lovely reader.

"WHAT? SHE'S BEING ARRESTED? WHAT THE &!$#? ISN'T SHE THE GOOD GUY? WHAT'D SHE DO? TELL ME, I WANNA KNOW!"

Maybe without the excessive use of capital letters and censors, but I know you're thinking something along those lines. The Caps Lock key and bold formatting is what makes my life exciting though, so you'll have to suck it up and live with it.

Well, first of all, I'm not going to tell you what she did, just on the rare case that one of you, and I can't imagine why, haven't had the chance to read this series yet. And honestly, you have no excuse unless:

A) There is a giant lake with an unfed, hungry, savage alligator as it's resident, separating you from all options of bringing the books into your possession.
B) You spent all your money on failed attempts on winning the lotto and hitting the jackpot, which will ensure enough to spent for the rest of your life. But even so, there's this lovely thing call a library, you know? Which leads me to:
C) You not only spent all your money on lotto tickets, but your local library burned down. Because even if the books are out of stock or not in inventory, you can still politely ask the librarians there to order a copy, and see if they agree. I heard begging helps. And this is NOT from personal experience. Pfft. What? No way.
D) You live under a rock, or in a country where the licensing rights have not been purchased. In that case, I highly recommend high-tailing outta there and moving to a place where the publishing houses actually know what they're doing and what books will be a sure seller.
E) You're strapped to a chair, bound by duct-tape, and you're glued to the chair with ridiculously strong superglue. If this is your current situation, I do not recommend continuing reading this review but instead trying to get to the phone so you can call for immediate help. And then go buy the books.

But if you have to know, Gwen is the good guy. She isn't Miss Perfect Who Does Everything Right, but she has a good heart and the right intentions. It's not her fault that she was forced into freeing the most dangerous existence in history into the human world to cause destruction and damage.

With the opposite exterior but the same interior, we have bad boy Logan Quinn. Occupation: Being an extremely hot and badass Spartan. Logan is 110% swoon-worthy, and deep down inside, he's actually really thoughtful and caring. He masks his actual feelings with playboy actions and cold words, but you can tell he truly cares about Gwen and everyone he considers friends. Even if it's not crystal-clear apparent, he's loyal and is willingly to risk it all for someone he cares about. In some sense, he's the type of big brother that I'd be proud to have. Now if I only I could have an awesome big brother. I want a sibling so bad. IWANTIWANTIWANT.

The ending for Crimson Frost is heartbreaking, and just about teared me apart. But I understand how it could play a big part in how both Gwen and Logan grow even farther as individuals, and stronger together as a couple. Although must Midnight Frost's release date be so far away? I can see it, so near but so far away. *sniff*

If anything, I am definitely looking forward to continuing on with this series with these characters. I can't recommend this series highly enough. The Mythos Academy series is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers, with all it has to offer. May or may not include a really swoon-worthy boy to seal the deal.

5 coffee cups!

**An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review. However, all opinions remain honest and my own.**

--

Add CRIMSON FROST to Goodreads

Find Jennifer Estep on Goodreads | Website | Twitter

--

~♥~

Review also found: Goodreads 

--

Contact Kaede: 

Email: kimberlyho75@yahoo.com
Goodreads: Kaede
Twitter: Kami178xx

ARC Review of The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

The Darkest Minds

By: Alexandra Bracken 

Review by: Kaede 

Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 488 (ARC); 496 (Finished Hardback)
Series: The Darkest Mind (#1) 
Source: Paperback ARC (Won)

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.
Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.
When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her—East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.
When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.

The Darkest Minds is a novel not only visibly attractive, but also contains a story worthy of the beautiful thing that is it's cover. With the cover picture seen above, you should be able to get a good idea of the cover. However, even with the ARC copy, The Darkest Minds has a pretty sheen that can only be seen when reflected on with light. However, as fond of it as I am, I'm 99% certain that you aren't reading this review to hear me ramble on shiny covers. Although, if you would like, I have no problem doing so...

Ruby, our darling female protagonist, is our narrator through the world Alexandra Bracken has crafted in her second published novel. See, I'm going to be the brave one here and admit a deep dark secret to you guys, although if you know me at all, you should know this: I have a hard time liking female characters in young adult literature. There's usually something, even if it's the littlest of things, that I find ridiculous and slightly offensive as a person of the same gender as the stupid girl who's just being...stupid. This is a problem many reviewers, if not all, have. Don't get me wrong, I love realistic characters, but see, there lies the fault. Realistic characters have flaws, they aren't perfect. However, realistic characters do not drop all common sense for a out of the world (and I use this term because so very often, the male love interest is not of this world) hot guy they've just met, like what, twenty pages or so ago? I didn't find the usual complaint I have though an issue with Ruby. While I wasn't in love love, Ruby's story is as engaging as she is strong. And that girl is in fact 110% kick-ass, if you know what I mean. (And if you honestly do know what I mean, please tell me. Because half the time I don't know what I mean when I ask if someone knows what I mean. You know what I mean?)

Admirable is Ruby's loyalty to Liam, and all the friends she meets. The writing in The Darkest Minds is exceptional, complete with it's vivid descriptions and elegance. Bracken's unique storytelling is able to bring her characters to life, making them only that much more likable.

Mind control, memory manipulation, and telekinesis; these are just some of the supernatural abilities that the teenagers are suddenly gaining in Bracken's world. However, you see, the so very accepting adults have not been quite...fond of this change in their children. As demonstrated through Ruby's locking in her garage and the calling of police, courtesy of her parents. Shipped to Thurmond, a government “rehabilitation camp", since she was young, Ruby now has to make her escape at sixteen. The year the truth is revealed. Ruby now has one objective: To reach East River and find a safe haven with a group of children that are like her. But what she doesn't expect to find there is love. 

Now the relationship between the leader, Liam, and our daring protagonist Ruby, is quite the interesting one. While I particularly enjoyed it, I could see how some people won't. But what I can say with certainty is that The Darkest Minds isn't focused on romance and fluffy cheesy kiss-y scenes. The world that Bracken depicts is a dark one, that has what is seemingly a grim future. But isn't that what dystopian readers look for in their choice of genre?  An action-packed story set in a futuristic world in which chaos runs amok, complete with fantastic and kick-ass characters worthy of the Best Kick-ass Characters of Year Whatever Award? If that describes your taste, or what you're looking for, I couldn't recommend The Darkest Minds more highly.

5 coffee cups!

--

Review also found: Goodreads

--

Contact Kaede: 

Email: kimberlyho75@yahoo.com
Goodreads: Kaede 
Twitter: Kami178xx

BOOK BLITZ: 12 Days of Magic - SPELLBOUND by Nikki Jefford

While I haven't quite have the chance to read this series, they sound fantastic and I'm ecstatic to be part of the Book Blitz for this series! Today, with much thanks to Xpresso Book Tours, I have some awesome things in store for you lovelies! 

Curious? 

Continue reading for fabulous stuff, and oh, a giveaway! 

--

Entangled (Spellbound #1)

By: Nikki Jefford 

Release Date: February 20th, 2012

Two months after dying, seventeen-year-old witch Graylee Perez wakes up in her twin sister Charlene’s body.
Until Gray finds a way back inside her own body, she’s stuck being Charlene every twenty-hour hours. Her sister has left precise instructions on how Gray should dress and behave. Looking like a prep isn’t half as bad as hanging out with Charlene’s snotty friends and gropey boyfriend.
The “normals” of McKinley High might be quick to write her behavior off as post-traumatic stress, but warlock Raj McKenna is the only person who suspects Gray has returned from the dead.
Now Gray has to solve the mystery of her death and resurrection and disentangle herself from Charlene’s body before she disappears for good.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble |Smashwords |Goodreads

~♥~

Duplicity (Spellbound #2)

By: Nikki Jefford 

Release Date: March 20th, 2012

If Graylee Perez thought sharing a body with her twin sister was bad, dealing with a duplicate of herself is two times worse. Gray the second doesn’t seem to get that Lee’s boyfriend, Raj McKenna, is off limits. Then there’s the problem of Adrian Montez. He expects one of the Grays to be his.Nearly a year later, the council is onto them for past misdeeds; Lee, along with the rest of the coven, has lost control of her powers; and Gray is being stalked by what looks like the Grim Reaper.
If they work together, they may stand a chance of setting things right and making it out alive.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble |Smashwords |Goodreads

~♥~

Enchantment (Spellbound #3) 

By: Nikki Jefford

Release Date: April 2013

In the third and final installment of the Spellbound series, Graylee Perez (the duplicate), goes to Spain for a summer of escape. There she meets new friends and comes face to face with her old adversary, Adrian Montez.
When Gray tries to setup a spell that will banish Adrian from her life, she inadvertently falls under a love spell instead. Charlene returns, having hijacked a new body, for one final battle between the twins.

 Add it at Goodreads | Sign up for a Release Day Alert 

(Don’t miss out on the release day promo price, one time deal.)

~♥~

The Spellbound Soundtrack!

What songs inspired the Spellbound series? Have you listen to any of them? Plan to?

ENTANGLED (S1)

Magic Dance by David Bowie from Labyrinth

This song has haunted my brain throughout the series. Plus David Bowie reminds me of warlock Adrian Montez minus the 80’s hair and tight pants…well, let’s keep the tight pants.

Lightning by The Wanted

Raj McKenna steals the show in Entangled. He is the ultimate bad boy with a good heart, and fiercely loyal to Gray. I stumbled upon this YouTube video and have watched it at least a dozen times all while thinking of Raj. Yeah, baby!

DUPLICITY (S2)

Within Youand As The World Falls Downby David Bowiefrom Labyrinth

Adrian’s obsession with Gray reminds me of the Goblin King’s fixation on Sarah. At the end of book one Adrian risks his own life to ensure she doesn’t disappear. In book two his feelings intensify, but are harshly rejected. Sorry, Adrian, you have no power over Gray.

Bad Romance by Lady Gaga

The confusion spell Gray puts over Adrian requires her to speak gibberish the entire time. She starts singing “Rah, rah, ah, ah, ah; Roma, roma, ma; Gaga, ooh, la, la,” then accidently busts into the Bad Romance lyrics.

ENCHANTMENT (S3)

Barcelona by Giulia y Los Tellarini from the Vicky Christina Barcelona soundtrack

Love is in the air. Gray heads to Barcelona for the summer, meets the sexy Spaniard Carlo, wards off the attentions ofthe polite British Will, runs into Adrian and unwittingly falls head over heels for her arch nemesis. It’s all good fun!

Les Triplettes de Belleville from the French animation movie soundtrack

Charlenenabs herself a new body in Paris, shows up in Spain, much to Gray’s annoyance, and requests her help dealing with a stalker. I like to call this one The “Twins” of Belleville.

~♥~

THE FABULOUS AUTHOR: 

Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt. She writes edgy teen fiction, including the Spellbound Trilogy and Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter. Nikki married Sébastien, the love of her life, while working as a teaching assistant in France. They now reside in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands, 70 miles northeast of Forks, Washington.

 Nikki’s Blog |Goodreads| Facebook | Twitter

~♥~

So, what's next? Guess, guess! Come on, guess! I know you're not guessing. I know. So guess! GUESSSS. Okay, fine. Don't guess. You probably already know anyway so I'm okay with it. I'm cool. Kinda. Maybe. It's giveaway time!~

RULES & INFO: 

• Open INTERNATIONALLY 
• Contest ends  December 27th, 2012
• No cheating. Cheaters never prosper. 

PRIZES: 

• Signed Entangled Paperback 

 • A box of peppermint chocolate Polar Bear Smooches,

• 12 eBook Winners: choice of book 1, book 2, or voucher for book 3 when it releases

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#VMAFIA: Video Author Q&A with Victoria Scott

Hi, hi! x)

So Kaede is officially back into blogging more often. For a little while, I've been feeling ridiculously stressed out with reading and reviewing books to the point where I felt that doing all of this was pointless. But of course, my lovely darling friends convinced me that I was totally out of my mind and that a short break was all I needed to refresh myself. So I guess, if there really must be an excuse for that lack of reviews, then that is it. I'll do a official update post soon, along with a much overdue (no, like seriously overdue) Stacking the Shelves post. Just a fair warning though, while the Stacking the Shelves post will have fantastic goodies such as 2013 ARCs, new releases, cool signed swag, and more, it is also excessively long.

But that's not why I'm here, is it? That's right, it isn't. What I'm here for today is to catch up on things that I've slacked off on. And that includes sharing an awesome Q&A video with you guys, from a darling author. This post was originally suppose to have gone up a short while back, and I'm sure most of you guys have seen it already, but in case you haven't....

Pfft. I'm a very proud member. 

I've always had a peculiar interest in mafias, and as long as it didn't involve me dying and getting shot at, I would've and still would love to be a mafia member. So of I course I had to jump in at the chance to be a member of a book mafia. Like how epic is that? And guys, Dante is like OHMYGODCANIHAVEYOURAUTOGRAPHWITHYOUSHIRTLESS hot. Just saying. *cough* And Victoria Scott is such a sweet person to talk to. 

Oh yes, the Q&A video. Almost forgot the purpose of this post. Never fails. I suck at this. *grumbles*

Well, that's that! Watch, enjoy, and then watch and enjoy again!

xoxo,
Kaede [Kimberly]
Bound by blood. We are family. - #VMAFIA.

ARC Review of The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Inheritance 

By: Aimee Carter 

Review by: Kaede

Publisher: Harlequin Teen 

Pages: 384 (ARC) 

Series: Goddess Test (#3) 

Source: ARC via NetGalley

Love or life.
Henry or their child.
The end of her family or the end of the world.
Kate must choose.

During nine months of captivity, Kate Winters has survived a jealous goddess, a vengeful Titan and a pregnancy she never asked for. Now the Queen of the Gods wants her unborn child, and Kate can't stop her--until Cronus offers a deal.
In exchange for her loyalty and devotion, the King of the Titans will spare humanity and let Kate keep her child. Yet even if Kate agrees, he'll destroy Henry, her mother and the rest of the council. And if she refuses, Cronus will tear the world apart until every last god and mortal is dead.
With the fate of everyone she loves resting on her shoulders, Kate must do the impossible: find a way to defeat the most powerful being in existence, even if it costs her everything.
Even if it costs her eternity.

Aimee Carter, as an author, has my acknowledgement. Her debut series, beginning with The Goddess Test and concluding with The Goddess Inheritance, has come far in terms of development and more. What began as a lighthearted series has, with the help and assistance of it's fantastic final installment, quickly become a favorite of mine. In terms of character, the only thing I have to say is, "A job well done. I couldn't see it any better."

Katherine Winters was not always my favorite character because I had the general problems with her during the first two Goddest Test novels. Kate has always been a stubborn character, who doesn't like being told what to do and is almost impossible to steer when she's set her mind to something. But while that may make her a strong character in some reader's eyes, I personally saw it as slight stupidity. That almost leads to her death. And Henry's. Oh and, did I forget to mention, all of humanity too? And I could've understood Kate and accept her mistakes because in the end, no mortal being is perfect. And Kate has grown up all her life as a human being, who's capable of sinning and messing up here and there. But what Kate lacked was the ability to own up to her mistakes, and that was a trait that followed her to the end of her story. 

Kate isn't a weak character, and in some senses, I could consider her strong. And although she broke down and cried again and again, and is way to rash for her own good, she has this redeeming quality to her that I feel just can't be ignored. Kate may not be an excellent friend, demonstrated through her actions towards Ava for the majority of this book, but she is a respectable mother who'd gladly protect her child at the cost of her own life. That's gotta count for something, right? Right. But, uhm, how old exactly is Kate...? 16? 17? I know she's immortal and all, and time and age won't matter after like three centuries of being alive, but still. And while it may seem like I'm not too fond of Kate's character, it was actually quite the opposite with The Goddess Inheritance. Kate wasn't perfect, but at least she tried to right her wrongs. Sometimes quick-thinking and a brave and rash girl is just what you need to win a war.

But the two character I think got the most character development was Ava and Henry. Ava is no longer that cheerful, good-natured girl who's pure of heart, and you can't blame her for all the things she's forced to go through. Ava is still loyal and kind though, and while her motives may seem questionable, she has reasons behind them that may not be automatically recognizable. But they're there. And when they were revealed, I felt sympathy for Ava. She didn't deserve her fate. Hell, she didn't deserve anything short of a happy life with her family. 

You will never find someone to replace Ava, because that person does not exist," he murmured. "But you will find someone who understands love as Ava did. Who embodies it."

The Goddess Inheritance is full of twists and turns, and it brings out a rather surprisingly fast pace plot. Days after finishing this astonishing novel, I found myself still unable to even consider the possibility of moving on to the next book. And when I finally did, I realized that all I was doing was thinking about Kate and Henry and the ending and I didn't realize that I've read 64 pages of a book where I had no idea what the main character's name is. So I just set everything aside and let the events that unfolded in The Goddess Inheritance to sink in. After that, it was easier to read another book without crying over the fact that there will be no more books to continue Kate's story. 

Kate and Henry's relationship is perhaps becoming one of my favorites. There's just something about Henry that draws me in, whether it be how much he cares for his family or how damn calm he is when deciding a dead person's fate. There's something about Kate and Henry that just works. 

Cronus was an interesting character, and most certainly not what I expected from the most evil being of evil beings. He seemed oddly like a misguided little boy who had, and sadly knew, that he had way too much power in his hand. And he liked to use it too. Which I guess made him a evil little boy? But that's not right...Cronus is an old man...SDJ;AWDJKLASD. FORGET IT. All you need to know is that Cronus is kinda freaky and likes to impersonate people and has this creepy "fondness" (if you can call it that) for Kate. 

Cronus's little sidekick, Calliope, however, was everything but likable in any sense. Heartless, cruel, and jealous, she was the type of person you love to hate. And oh, hate I did. It's been a while since I've come across such a unlikable character, and I'm not sure whether or not to be horribly amused and praise the author on a job well done, or be slightly disturbed. In the first two books, Calliope's actions were justify by lust and her tendency to be a jealous wench. By the third and final book, Calliope was no more than revenge-hungry and desperate for the affection that would never come from Henry's heart, no matter how strong the love spell Calliope tried to cast. 

Overall, The Goddess Inheritance was a satisfying well-done conclusion to a great series. Surprisingly quotable, with solid characters and a intricate storyline, The Goddess Inheritance has convinced me that Aimee Carter is an author worth looking out for. I'm certain that Carter's future works will only improve and will eventually excel my highest standards. 

And maybe, just maybe, this doesn't have to be the end? How about a spin-off, my dearest author? Please?

5 coffee cups!

An advance copy was provided from the publisher for review via NetGalley. However, all opinions remain honest and my own.

--

BONUS: 
Just for the heck of it, I decided to throw in my feelings after finishing The Goddess Inheritance that was my temporary substitute review I posted on Goodreads before I finally decided to stop being lazy and write a legit review. Have fun laughing at me: 

DASD;KOASDA./ OH MY POOR FEELINGS. 

This isn't the end, right? 

This BETTER NOT BE THE END. 

Once I gather my feelings and make some sense out of them, I shall review this awesomeness for you. 

THIS BETTER NOT BE THE END.

Oh joy. 

My poor, poor heart.

--

Review also found: Goodreads

--
Contact Kaede: 
Email: kimberlyho75@yahoo.com
Goodreads: Kaede 
Twitter: Kami178xx

COVER REVEAL: Desolate City by Racquel Jones

After being invited to a party, Seiren never dreamed of being haunted by the Haydens--supernatural beings--of her city. She was suppose to forget about how they watched her every move days before. She was suppose to forget how everything went downhill after meeting a certain white eyed Hayden. But that would be too simple...
Ereshkigal, a group of powerful beings that all Haydens resent, have their sights on Seiren and Haydens from every corner of Black Phoenix will do everything in their power to stop them.
With the help of the gun-toting agent Luann and Hayden guardian Julius, Seiren must figure out her place in all of this and why she is literally running for her life.

Release Date: January 10th, 2013
Goodreads

 THE Author: 

Prepare yourself for the time of your life.

Racquel Jones has been a Michigander for 22 years now. She has a love for all things fantasy, art and the history behind it and comic book heroes. Since she was able to talk, she told stories to her friends rather it be fan fiction or her own original ideas. Right now, she is looking to one day expand her horizons into writing for comics and owning a branch of unique cafes/bookstores.

THY LINKY LINKS: 

Website: http://racquelthewriter.blogspot.ca/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6533865.Racquel_Jones

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Racquel-Jones/206693799354239?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rakeru19

--

So what do I personally think? 'Cause you know, Kaede's opinion is obviously the most important. 

I actually really like the cover, the whole pinkish purple theme we have going on. It's actually kinda cool. *shrugs* 

It's cool. End of story. No but really, it is kinda cool, so props to you Ms. Jones. *nods head in approval* 

Looking for chances like this? Want to participate in cover reveals, promotional events, and blog tours? For authors and bloggers, check out Xpresso Book Tours, hosted by our very own Giselle @ Xpresso Reads! 

--

Contact Kaede: kimberlyho75@yahoo.com

Kaede is currently reading: The Darkest Mind, Through the Ever Night, and 52 Reasons to Hate My Father.