*Book Review* On the Edge of Humanity (Vampires SEALS #1) by S.B Alexander

 

Title: On the Edge of Humanity (Vampire SEALS #1)

Format: Kindle Ebook

Pages: 325

Published: 28th Dec 2012

Publisher: Self Published

Source: Bought

Genre: YA Paranormal

Shelfability: Acquire

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depository

**About The Book**

How far would you go to save a loved one?

Natural-born vampires are born not made. Some humans, who roam the earth, are not even aware they carry such DNA

Sixteen-year-old Jo Mason is lost in a world where traipsing from one foster home to another is normal. She hates her life, she hates school and on most days, she hates living.

Her normal world shifts when she discovers her twin brother Sam has gone missing between Anger Management class and History Class.

She’s called to the principal’s office to meet Lieutenant Webb London, a Navy SEAL who is part of a secret team of natural-born vampires. His mission is to protect the twins from an evil cartel, but he’s too late. With Jo now under his protection, his team searches for Sam.

However, finding and rescuing Sam from the evil cartel may be the easy part. Jo learns she carries a dormant vampire gene that, if activated, could save him. As her normal world fades even more, pushing her closer to the edge of humanity, Jo must decide if her human life is more important than her twin brother

0

**Book Review** Immortal Obsession (Immortal Obsession #1) by Denise K. Rago

Reviewed By: Siobhán
Format: Paperback
Pages: 262
Published:  27th Sept 2010
Publisher: Createspace
Source: Author for Review
Genre:  Paranormal, Romance, Vampires
Buy:  Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depository

Description:

As a young man in eighteenth century France, Christian Du Mauré impulsively follows his best friend into the complex and warring world of the Parisian vampires. Against the backdrop of the French Revolution and following an affair with a mortal aristocrat, he promises to watch over her daughter - only to learn the child is his. Now settled in Manhattan, only two descendents of his union remain, Amanda and her brother, Ryan. After Amanda witnesses a savage murder in Central Park, she is determined to find the ethereal stranger who saved her life. When their worlds inevitably collide, Christian finds he cannot prevent Amanda from becoming a pawn in a centuries-old struggle for power. As a confrontation between ancient enemies comes to a head, Christian must face a betrayal from his past that still haunts him and threatens the woman he loves.

1

Book Review: Marked (House of Night #1) by P.C and Kristin Cast

Reviewed By: Siobhán
Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
Published: 15th Jan 2009
Publisher: Atom
Source:  Bought
Genre:  YA Paranormal, Vampire
Buy:Amazon UK / Amazon US / Book Depository

Description:

When sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird gets Marked as a fledgling vampire she must join the House of Night school where she will train to become an adult vampire. That is, if she makes it through the Change. But Zoe is no ordinary fledgling. She has been chosen as special by the Goddess Nyx and discovers her amazing new power to conjure the elements: earth, air, fire, water and spirit.When Zoey discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite group, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look within herself to embrace her destiny - with a little help from her new vampire friends.

-Not suitable for younger readers -

1

Blog Tour: Awakened (Few Are Angels #2) by Inger Iversen. Review + Excerpt

Reviewed By: Siobhán  
Format: Kindle Ebook
Pages: 254
Published: 22nd Feb 2013
Publisher:  Self-Published/Createspace
Source:  Girl *Hearts" Book Tours
Genre: YA Paranormal
Buy:  Amazon UK I Amazon US I

Description:

What must he overcome to protect her?

With no clue of what to do next and the responsibility of looking after Alex and Mia as promised, Kale is up to his ears in problems and no solutions. How will Kale save Ella, keep Alex and Mia safe, control Jace as well as control the Bloodlust that creeps beneath the surface waiting to be released? Will Kale be Ella’s savior or will he convict her to a fate worse than the one Laurent has already promised her?

What truths will she learn?

Ella knows that the choices she makes affects not only her but everyone else around her, but what about the choices made to find her? Ella learns the truth about the death of her parents, learns that the ones she thought she could trust aren’t so trustworthy after all.

How will Ella handle these betrayals, and will she be able to sacrifice what is necessary to obtain eternal life?

0

Book Review: Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1) by Rachel Hawkins

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Hardback
Pages: 336
Published: 2nd March 2010
Publisher: Hyperion
Source: Bought
Genre: YA, Supernatural, Paranormal
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository UK I Book Depository US

Description:

In the wake of a love spell gone horribly wrong, Sophie Mercer, a sixteen-year-old witch, is shipped off to Hecate Hall, a boarding school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries. The traumas of mortal high school are nothing compared to the goings on at "Freak High." It's bad enough that she has to deal with a trio of mean girls led by the glamorous Elodie, but it's even worse when she begins to fall for Elodie's gorgeous boyfriend, Archer Cross, and frankly terrifying that the trio are an extremely powerful coven of dark witches. But when Sophie begins to learn the disturbing truth about her father, she is forced to face demons both metaphorical and real, and come to terms with her own growing power as a witch.

2

Book Review: Witchblood (Witchblood #1) by Emma Mills

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Kindle Ebook
Pages: 330
Published: 8th Jan 2012
Publisher: Self-Published
Source: Bought/Free
Genre: YA/New Adult Paranormal
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I

Description:

When Jess steals a glance at a gorgeous guy in a Manchester nightclub, little does she realise how he is going to change her life…or should that be death?  Yet, the vampire clan could never have predicted what they were taking on. With Luke pronounced ‘off-limits’ and the blood of a vampire simmering in Jess’s body, can she forget the love of her life and move on? If not, she will risk exposing the entire Northern clan to untold dangers, in order to live her life the way she wants. Can Jess be sure that Luke is all he appears to be? Will she succumb to the attraction she desperately tries not to feel for Daniel? And why does she still crave a packet of crisps more than a tasty teenage boy’s blood?

4

Book Review: Falling To Ash (Moth #1) by Karen Mahoney

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Published: 27th Sept 2012
Publisher: Corgi Childrens
Source: Publisher for Review
Genre: YA Paranormal, Vampires
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US

Description:

You can’t choose your family... living or dead. Trapped between two very different worlds, newly made vampire Moth is struggling to find her place in either. Not only does she have to answer to her strict Irish-Catholic Dad, but her over-protective maker, Theo, is intent on making her the star attraction in his powerful Boston vampire clan. Moth will have to pull off the double-act of the century to please both of them... Adding to her problems is the dangerously attractive Jason Murdoch, a trainee vampire hunter who loves to play cat and mouse in his spare time (Jace = cat; Moth = mouse). But when the teenagers of Boston’s wealthiest families start to disappear, it forces Moth and Jace into an uneasy truce. Will they be able to solve the mystery behind the disappearances—before someone winds up undead?

9

Mini Review: Goodnight Sam (Running in the Dark #0.5) by Inger Iversen

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Kindle Ebook
Pages: 12
Published: 18th Nov 2011
Publisher: Self-Published
Source: Bought/Free
Genre: Paranormal, Vampires
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US

Description:
An intimate narrative of the exchange between Samuel and Hope, told from Hope's perspective, this short story prequel to the Running in the Dark series sheds light on a frightening event witnessed by Beth, who later narrates book one of the series.  Goodnight Sam reveals the tragic history of Sam and Hope, who have existed as vampires since the eighteenth century. Sam has grown weary of the new world along with the escalating conflicts of his kind and wishes to attain peace in what is know as 'the true death', while Hope desperately desires to pursue a more fulfilling life together. The repercussions of the shocking mutual decision they make, and Beth's role as a witness to it, become the catalyst for the dangers facing Beth in the Running in the Dark Series.

0

Book Review: Dinner With A Vampire (The Dark Heroine #1) by Abigail Gibbs

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: ARC Paperback
Pages: 549
Published: 25th Oct 2012 (UK)
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Source: Publisher for Review
Genre: Older YA Paranormal Romance 
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository UK I Book Depository US

Description:
The sexiest romance you’ll read this year…

One moment can change your life forever…

For Violet Lee, a chance encounter on a darkened street draws her into a world beyond her wildest imaginings, a timeless place of vast elegance and immeasurable wealth – of beautiful mansions and lavish parties – where a decadent group of friends live for pleasure alone. A place from which there is no escape… no matter how hard Violet tries.

Yet all the riches in the world can’t mask the darkness that lies beneath the gilded surface, embodied in the charismatic but dangerous Kaspar Varn.

Violet and Kaspar surrender to a passion that transcends their separate worlds – but it’s a passion that comes at a price…

6

Destined (House of Night #9) by P.C & Kristin Cast

Contains spoilers from previous books

Reviewed by: Siobhán
Format: Hardback
Pages:  325
Published: 25th October 2012 (UK)
Publisher: Atom
Source: Bought
Genre: YA, Vampires, Paranormal
Buy: Amazon UK I Amazon US I Book Depository

Description:

In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what is destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

7

Last Breath (Morganville Vampires #11) by Rachel Caine

Format: Paperback
Pages: 447
Published: 28th Oct 2011
Publisher: Allison & Busby
Source: Publisher for Review
Genre: YA Paranormal
Buy:Amazon UKIAmazon USI Book Depository


Description:

There is a question Claire has long been asking: why do vampires live so far out in a sunny desert when they're sensitive to sunlight? The reason doesn't have to do with sunlight but water - and an ancient enemy who has finally found a way to invade the vampires' landlocked community. Vampires aren't the top predator on earth. There's something worse that preys on them ...something much worse. Which means if Claire, and Morganville, want to live, they will have to fight on to the last breath.

Review:

Rachel Caine, Seriously! Does this wonderful and talented lady even fail me? mmmmm.... let me think, uh NO!!!! Last Breath is nothing short of A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

Last Breath is the 11th book in the Morganville Vampire Series. It follows Claire and the gang tacking their everyday drama, vampires, love. As well as tacking a new evil that has crawled up into town and is threating to destroyed everything that Amelie has work so hard to built. And it's up to Clare to save the day but will she managed to defeat it?

Sorry for the lack of good description, trying so hard not to spoil things from this book and previous.

Yeah, it rocked!!! Morganville is probably my favourite YA vampire series ever! It really is. I have been waiting not so patiently for this book and when it turned up from the publisher I squeak, like proper fan girl squeaked.

If you have read my previous reviews for this series, you all know how much I adore the characters in this series. Claire, the brainy, yet tough girl who actually holds the group together. Shane (oh Shane) the tough, bad boy with a violent temper but is super sweet. Eve, the happy kickass goth chick and Michael, our resident vampire! Together the are best friends and take on the world. I love everyone of them. And of course, there are many more characters and all play very very important roles in the story. But my fave, my man! The Crazy, Creep, Insane and down right sexy Myrnin. Oh yeah, I love me some crazy vampires in bunny slippers. He is back and better than ever because we see a different side to him. A caring and loving side to him that broke my heart. :(

Last Breath is like most of the book, explosive. It's packed full of action. Usually in YA, it's love that is the big thing in books. And even though romance is in this book there is a lot more action. It's fast paced and thrilling. It keeps you guessing. And new evil bad guy and OMG, So freaking amazing! Unique to say the least and kinda creepy and gross but fantastic. The only thing that kinda bugged me was the POV changes. I am not a big fan of too many POV changes in my books and even though with Rachel's talent she manages it effortlessly, it kind of annoyed me that with some of the changes it went from third person to first. Although, I didn't annoying me enough to rate it under 5 stars because the plot was superb.

Now to wait for book 12, yes there is a book 12 woohoo. Are we excited? I know I am. If you haven't read this book or even started this series. Why not? Go Forth and read. You are missing out on some serious nail biting stuff and hot guys. hehe

A massive thank you to Allison & Busby for allowing me to review this fantastc novel and so very sorry it took me like forever!

Rate: 5/5

3

Blood Feud (Drake Chronicles #2) by Alyxandra Harvey

Format: Paperback
Pages:258
Published: 5th July 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Genre: YA Paranormal
Buy: Amazon UK Amazon US

Description:

It has been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix survived the French Revolution. Now she's made her way back to the living and must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who turned her into a vampire and left her buried for two hundred years. That's if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks...

Review:

Alyxandra Harvey is becoming one of my favourite YA authors. The Drake Chronicles are nothing short of amazing. They are fun, sassy, witty and explosive.

Blood Feud follows the story of Isabeau and Logan. Both vampires but Logan was born a vampire and Isabeau was made and left buried for two hundred years. Now she is out for revenge on the man to made her into a vampire. But there is one small thing getting in her way, Logan Drake.

The second in the Drake Chronicles is every bit as wicked as book one. And I like how each book focuses on a different Drake brother and their love interest. Isabeau comes across like a tough chick and that is fantastic we don't get enough of that in YA but sometimes she can come across quite stiff (I think) and I just wanted her to lighten up a bit.Although her relationship with lovely Logan is a perfect balance and they match which is always good.

Blood Feud grips you from page one. It's one of those book you completely lose yourself in the story and the characters. However, I must admit I missed Lucy and Nicholas. They are in the book and they are still as funny as ever but there just isn't enough of them for me. They are the reason I loved book one.

Overall, Blood Feud is a worthly sequel for My Love Lies Bleeding. It's fast paced, action packed and quite sweet but not overally romantic. So if you haven't read this series yet go pick up a book you will not be disappointed :) 

Rate: 4/5

1

Vampire Academy: A Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead

Adapted by Leigh Dragoon & Illustrated by Emma Vieceli

Format: Paperback
Pages: 144
Publshed: 23rd Aug 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: YA Paranormal

Description:
St Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school - hidden away, it's a place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them.

Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St Vladimir's where the girls must survive a world of forbidden romances, a ruthless social scene and terrifying night time rituals. But most of all, they must stay alive.

Review:
We have alll heard of the Vampire Academy series. And if you haven't have you been living under a rock? It is one of my favourite series because its packed with action romance and yummy males lol. When I first seen it was getting adapted into a graphic novel I was unsure. Not being a big Graphic Novel I wasn't sure if I was only to like it. So when I was given the chance to review the book I thought I would give it ago and Im so glad I did.

Vampire Academy is about two teenager girl who are dragged back to school after running away two years before. Rose is a dhampir, half human - half moroi. She is strong, indepentent and has a hell of a mouth on her that if forever getting her into trouble. Lissa is a Moroi princess, a mortal vampire. She has the looks of an angel and very at times very vulnerable. They have been best friends since they were kids and a tragic accident they both have a very special bond that allows Rose to go into Lissa mind. They are complete opposites of each other and yet they couldnt be more suited as friends.

A lot happens in the Vampire Academy book and I was worried that with only 144 pages the full story wouldn't be in the graphic novel. However, all the major scenes are developed wonderfully and honestly are so much better on paper than they were in my head. The illustrator Emma has managed to create the artwork in the book so perfectly that if you have read the book before you wouldn't even need the text in the book to follow the story. Im pretty sure its manga style (not 100% as I don't really know anything about Graphic novels) and I have read good and bad things about this style but I have to say that i thought this style was perfect for this story and I am now looking into more graphics novels.

The Graphic novel is adapted by Leigh Dragoon, I love that with only a handful of text on each page that full story is there. I have only read a couple of graphic novels but I noticed that there can sometimes be way too much text in it that takes you away from following the artwork for the story. This graphic novel as the perfect balance, there is just enough text that you know exactly what is happening and flows wonderfully with the art work.

My only negative about this is were the book series can be read by maybe teens ages 13+ I feel that due to some of the image contain in the adapted that it should be read by teens ages 15/16+ as some of the scenes are quite graphic but apart from that the best graphic novel I have read!!

If you have read Vampire Academy series this is a must have. It brings the enchanting and dark story to live on paper in full coloured  and I can't wait to see if the rest of the series is going to be adapted into Graphic novels because I will be buying them. Even if you haven't read the series this will still be enjoyed by graphic novel fans.

A massive thank you to the publisher for giving me a copy in exchange for a honest review.

Rate: 4/5

Buy you copy:

Amazon:{UK}{US}

1

My Love Lies Bleeding (Drake Chronicles #1) by Alyxandra Harvey

Format: Paperback
Pages: 256
Published: 22nd Dec 2009
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Genre: YA Fantasy, Paranormal

Description:
The Blakes are rather different to your usual neighbours. They are vampires and some of the members of the family date back to the twelfth century. One of the children, Solange, is the only born female vampire known and, as such, she poses a direct threat to the vampire queen. Her best friend Lucy is human, and when Solange is kidnapped Lucy and Solange's brother, Nicholas, set out to save her. Lucy soon discovers that she would like to be more than just friends with Nicholas. But how does one go about dating a vampire? Meanwhile, Solange finds an unlikely ally in Kieran, a vampire slayer on the hunt for his father's killer.

Review:
My Love Lies Bleeding is one of those stories that just grab you from page one. I completely devoured this novel. I have read many many vampire novels but this one was fresh, fun and seriously funny.

The story follows the story of two best friends Solange a vampire and Lucy a human. Solange is the only female born vampire and because of this she is a threat to the vampire queen, Vampires are either trying to kill her or date her. Lucy is a strong willed young woman who cares alot for her best friend and her family and when Solange is kidnapped Lucy is distraught and is determind to save her best friend.

This is told from both Solange and Lucy point of view and I feel it gives the readers a better perspective into the relationships between our two main characters. They are both total opposites of each other yet they fit perfectly together. Solange is quite and shy where as Lucy is loud, out going and not afraid to tell people like it is. Even a vampire. Lol.

 There is a whole cast of characters in this story and they bring something into the story to make is magical and exciting. However, my favourite aspect of this is the relationship between Lucy and Nicholas. Its just so comical. They are grown up together always arguing and getting on each others nerves until they actually start to realise they like each other and its just so cute. They try to fight it and deny it to themselves but it doesn't work.

My Love Lies Bleeding has a very fast paced storyline. There is always something happening so there is nevera dull moment. Alyxandra has created a tale that is really fresh and exciting that any vampire lover will enjoy. I recommend it to everyone love, action, suspence and really comical moments.

Rate: 5/5

Buy a copy: [Amazon UK][Waterstones][Book Depository]

[Amazon US**][B&N]

**My Love Lies Bleeding is title Hearts at Stake in America. 

4