Book Review: Neverlove by Angela Brown

I just finished reading Angela Brown's Neverlove and wow what a story.  I wasn't sure what to expect for this YA paranormal romance so when I read the jacket flap I thought, cool.  Before I get into the review, I thought I'd post the synopsis.

For seventeen-year-old Abigail, one rash decision leads to an unexpected chance for redemption. At V'Salicus Academy, a unique institute where she trains to become an agent of heaven, she struggles with the pain of her past, the changes of the present and accepts a loveless future until her path – and heart – crosses with Basil’s.

Basil's off-chance slip of the tongue binds him to a life of servitude to the Devourer, the master of hell. His existence has no upside until a chance meeting with Abigail brings new perspective.

Keeping the truth of their present lives from each other brings disaster when secrets are brought to light and the life of Abigail’s mentor is put on the line.

Can Abigail and Basil save her mentor and salvage their love amid the chaos? Or will they lose it all, destined forever to NEVERLOVE?

My thoughts:
When I began reading the first part I thought WOW...that's some powerful stuff.  However disturbing it set the tone for the main character, Abigail (Abby).  She's been marred by her father (of all people) and in return attempts to end her life.  Fate intervenes, prompting her mother to save Abby and enrolling her in V'Salicus Academy.  Like Abby, the Academy was an equally intense organization.

Since Abby is new, Father Quanon agrees to mentor her through the academy and many of his colleagues and superiors start to doubt his motives.  The book at first weaves in and out, describing the lives of first Abby and then her love interest, Basil.  I liked the dark worlds that Brown created, depicting the depth of hell with the sinister dealings of Devourer and then the intricate faculties of heaven.  There were many times when I wondered how the MC's persevere.   I want to tell you in the end love trumps all, but eh, eh, eh...that wouldn't be right, now would it?

If you like books with wicked characters, a ton of twists and a fine dose of romance, then NeverLove is just the book for you.  Find out more about the author, Angela Brown, by visiting her website.  And...I just saw on Angela's website that she offering the e-book FREE for a limited time via Amazon! Go get it today! 

So, are you a fan of Angela Brown?  I am.  Have you read NeverLove?

Mina B.

ARC Review: Jessica Therrien’s Oppression

I just finished Jessica Therrien’s debut novel, Oppression. Wow, what a unique and fantastic YA tale.  I'm not usually a fan of Greek mythology, but this book was so well done, I was completely smitten and can’t wait for Book 2.  I’ll do my best not to mention too many spoilers, but if I do…sorry.

Elyse is an 89 year old woman who ages slowly thanks to her gene pool and looks like she's 18.  She's not human; she’s actually a descendant of gods, specifically Asclepius, known as the God of healing.  Elyse knows none of this, of course, since her parents hid her from the other descendants in order to protect her.  It was a decent plan until they died, leaving Elyse to spend the majority of her life alone. 


Since she never knew who or what she was, living among humans was always a challenge, especially due to her youthful appearance.  Throughout a lifetime, she found solace among a few humans that she loves dearly.  As she makes yet another move to a new area, this time San Francisco, she meets a young, handsome and mysterious man, William.  From the moment, William was introduced, I liked him.  And as more of his story unfolded, I grew to adore him. The two of them together are wonderfully matched. Like Elyse, William is a descendant—from the bloodline of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love.  Does that sound delicious or what?  It is...trust me.

As William introduces Elyse into the local descendant community, Elyse learns about her parent's past and also her untold future.  As a child of Asclepius, she is the last healer and is considered the new mother.  And her future and ability are tied to a prophecy that may just set her oppressed people free.  Each child of the gods carries their own unique power, but naturally, there are those that are far superior than others, namely The Council.  This band of select few govern the descendants, using methods that are cruel and deadly not just for descendants but for mankind.  Everything seems great until Elyse's human family is threatened.  And prophecy or not, Elyse will have to make a choice that could kill her.

This book was a page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. Oppression has a dark yet seductive undertone of Greek mythology that is cool and enticing.  There were hints of Shakespeare weaved throughout the tale, including the ending that left me spellbound.  Although book one had a general ending, it left me with the understanding that this series is far from over.  In fact, it's only the beginning.  Bring it on Book 2.  Oppression was a 4 for me and releases February 28th.   You can pre-order it via Amazon or Barnes and Noble.  In the meantime, add it to your GoodReads list.  

Mina B.

Book Review: Andrea Cremer's Wolfsbane

Book 2 in Andrea Cremer’s Nightshade series is Wolfsbane. I’ll do my best not to mention too many spoilers, but that may prove impossible.  First, for those that haven’t had a chance to read Book 1, Nightshade, take a moment to check out my review.

In Nightshade (Book 1), we left off where Calla made a choice to save Shay; her secret love or the Scion who would tip the scales of the War of the Witches from the Keepers to the Searchers.  In Wolfsbane, Calla, originally a Guardian for the Keepers, awoke in a place of her enemy, the Searchers' abode.  In her wake, she left behind her betrothed, Ren, her family and above all her pack. She left them for love, for Shay and in doing so, she sealed her fate and the fate of her loved ones to the merciless, sadistic transgressions of the Keepers. 

Wolfsbane had a sluggish start for me.  Overall, I liked the story, but it left me feeling conflicted -- very much like its protagonist, Calla.  Before I grumble a bit, let me start by reiterating how much I love the intricate & beautiful world Andrea Cremer created.  It’s breathtaking at times to say the least.  My main issue was with Calla’s uncertainty about her entire situation.  As an alpha wolf, her indecision seemed odd or out of place. However, when you consider her entire life was uprooted, I guess it’s understandable.  Still, Calla was constantly second guessing her decisions, including her love for Shay & then Ren. I adore love triangles, but this one confused me. To me, it was obvious in Nightshade that she chose Shay. Even so, with all the doubt plaguing her throughout Book 2 and still doubt after she chose Shay, I was like huh?  Furthermore, Calla's shock at how her pack was treated by the Keepers was equally perplexing.  As a reader, I found myself asking the question: what did you expect?

Is it okay to enjoy a book even though your disappointed in the main character(s)? I have to say that's the way I felt.  There are times when I've read a series, and then I stopped because of the disappointment in the story lingers. That's not the case here. Despite Calla’s relentless doubt and or flawed decision-making, I still found myself suspended in the action-packed adventure of the Searchers, the Guardians and of course, the Keepers.  Now that some of those irrevocably life-altering decisions were made, I have to know what happens with Shay, Calla, Ren and the rest of the gang.

Wolfsbane was a 3.75 for me. I enjoyed it and am definitely committed to finishing this YA series.  Click here to read Bloodrose Chapter One.  Whew...boy, oh boy!  You have to read this one.


Mina B,

ARC Review: Rachel Caine's Last Breath

Book 11 in Rachel Caine’s New York Times bestselling Morganville Vampire series is Last Breath – and boy did it take my breath away.  Before I begin, I’d first like to give a #shoutout to Rex Robot Reviews & her killer ARC tour! THANKS!!!

Last Breath begins with the planning of the impending nuptials of two of the Glass House Residents, Michael an Eve.  If these two aren’t star-crossed lovers, I’m not sure who is. She’s human and he’s a vampire and well, frankly…their relationship is inevitably doomed.  Humans in Morganville have been and always will be...food.  And according to one of the many unwritten vampire rules, one cannot have a real relationship with the cattle a.k.a. humans.  Michael and Eve, from the beginning were defending their relationship and now wedding against - not just the vampires - but the humans as well.

The humans have much animosity (more like bone-chilling hate) towards the vamps.  Now it’s ripe and boiling over with the pinnacle being the subsequent marriage to two lovers.  As lines are drawn and demands are made, something evil and sinister is lurking around the town of Morganville.  There’s a new predator in town – Magnus - and he’s hunting vampires and humans alike.  Oh, I promise you, it’s unlike anything you've read yet. *shivers*

Fear makes vampires, and humans behave insanely – and that’s putting it mildly when you think about Amelia’s decision-making.  Scary, to say the least.  In a fit, she makes a hasty decision that nearly ends Shane’s life which in return causes strife among the Glass House residents, especially Claire.


From there the tale takes a dark, delcious twist where murder and mayhem become a bit too literal for Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael.  I won’t tell you what happens, that would be WRONG – but it was enough to bring me to tears. (I’m such a sap sometimes.)  But, alas, dead or not, life goes in Morganville (the town of walking dead.)  With Magnus on the hunt, vampires on the run and human's rioting, will Morganville ever become somewhat civilized again? And despite the powerful bond the Glass House has with its inhabitants, will it be enough to save them in the end? The vampires and human will have to ally once more to defeat the ultimate evil or die trying. Can they do it? Can they win without anyone else from the Scooby gang getting killed?

I said it before; this book took my breath away. First half, I was laughing my a** off and then I was sobbing like a fool. This book was so wonderfully written it left me spellbound. My only comment was I didn't care for the perspective of Amelia and Michael. These are such strong characters – I wasn’t sure the book needed their perspective. Still, that didn’t take away from the book.  For me, Rachel Caine’s Last Breath was easily a 4.5.

Until next time...vampires, draugs, and humans, oh my!

Mina B.