Review: Black Bird of the Gallows by Meg Kassel @MegKassel

Black Bird of the Gallows
by Meg Kassel
YA Paranormal Romance
Released September 5, 2017
by Entangled Teen

Blurb via Goodreads:

A simple but forgotten truth: Where harbingers of death appear, the morgues will soon be full.

Angie Dovage can tell there’s more to Reece Fernandez than just the tall, brooding athlete who has her classmates swooning, but she can’t imagine his presence signals a tragedy that will devastate her small town. When something supernatural tries to attack her, Angie is thrown into a battle between good and evil she never saw coming. Right in the center of it is Reece—and he’s not human. 

What's more, she knows something most don't. That the secrets her town holds could kill them all. But that’s only half as dangerous as falling in love with a harbinger of death.

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About the Author

Meg Kassel is an author of paranormal and speculative books for young adults. A New Jersey native, Meg graduated from Parson's School of Design and worked as a graphic designer before embracing her true passion, writing. She now lives in a log house in the Maine woods with her family, and is busy at work on her next novel. A fan of ’80s cartoons, original Netflix series, daydreaming, and ancient mythology, Meg has always been fascinated and inspired by the fantastic, the creepy, and the futuristic. When she’s not writing, Meg is reading, hanging out with her husband and daughter, hiding her peanut butter cups, or walking her rescue mutt, Luna. She is a two-time finalist and the 2016 YA winner of the RWA Golden Heart© contest. Her debut novel, Black Bird of the Gallows, releases fall of 2017.

Connect with Meg:  Website   Facebook     Twitter    Instagram  

  

My Review

I have to give the utmost props to Meg Kassel for this debut novel. I had to go back and double check that I had read that right... that this is her debut novel. It absolutely blew me away. 

Kassel has a beautiful way about her story. The words breeze by on the pages, so easy to read and become engulfed in. I couldn't put it down. 

Not only were the characters some of my favorite that I've read lately, they stuck with me long after I finished this novel. The mythological aspect of the plot transported me to this world that I didn't know existed and I wanted more of. 

Beautifully crafted, completely transfixing.... I couldn't put this one down. I'll be buying a few paperback or hardcover copies for my student's library in my classroom. I have several students in mind that I know will absolutely love this novel. 

The ease with which I was sucked into this novel reminded me of the first time I read Shelly Crane's Significance Series, JL Armentrout's Lux Series, and Amy Bartol's Premonition Series. 

I can't say enough about how much I loved this novel. 

Overall, huge 5 stars (Amazing Debut!) 

Cover: BEAUTIFUL! 5 Stars
Characters: 5 Stars
Plot: 5 Stars <-- I LOVED the world building - the Harbingers, the Beekeepers, the Other characters... Amazing creativity
Climax: ACK! I was petrified! 5 Stars
Ending: 5 Stars! Thank goodness that this one ended on a high note! I was so worried that I went through the entire novel only to be sad by the ending but it lived up to my expectations! 

Review: Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

Fields of Elysium

by A.B. Whelan

YA Fantasy / Urban Fantasy

Published December 12, 2012

 

*Ebook obtained directly from the author

in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

How can love mend a heart full of hate?

Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

Would you fight to be with the one you truly love? What cost would you be willing to sacrifice for that love?

Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

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About the Author:

A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California. While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.

Connect with the Author:    Goodreads   Website   Google +







My Review:

So I adored this novel. It's taken me a few days to get on here and write my full review. I'm still thinking about the world that Whelan built. I loved the creativity of this book.

It took me a little bit longer to read this entire novel compared to my average reading time... I think a few things may have contributed to this... It started off a tad slow before it began picking up. The other thing is the expanse of creativity. You take it in bits and pieces because you have to let it sink in. It's amazing & leaves you saying "woah."

I enjoyed the characters but my only downfall was my annoyance with the main character falling in "love" at the snap of a finger. I had to overlook that little aspect because, well, I'm a realist. Lust/attraction/intrigue - Yes. Love - No way. Later in the novel, I can understand the "Love" but not until really close towards the end.

I enjoyed the ups and downs throughout the novel but my favorite thing, and I can't really talk about it enough, was the creativity! Oh My Gosh! I want to travel to this world! I want to see the creatures (not be picked up and carted off by one though >_<) and travel in one of their vehicles!!! Eeek! So awesome!!!!! Honestly, if you like to escape to a new world, GET THIS NOVEL. Definitely worth it!

The only downfall, the one part that was a tad annoying, was the insta-love - Otherwise, the novel was great!

I really look forward to following A.B. Whelan from this point forward. This is the first novel I've read by Whelan and really hope to read more soon.

Overall Rating: Solid 3.5 Stars
Cover Rating: 4 Stars - It took me a bit to realize what I was looking at - total blond moment - when I realized it, I felt like a total dummy LOL I loved the connection to the story!Characters: 3.5 Stars
Plot: 3.5 Stars
Climax: 3.5 Stars
Ending: 4.5 Stars

Review: Renhala by Amy Joy Lutchen

Renhala

Renhala #1

by Amy Joy Lutchen

Mature Urban Fantasy

Published September 27, 2012

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Kailey Rooke, timid accountant, dedicated to philanthropic work, finds herself spiraling into a deep depression after she suffers a horrifyingly odd and humiliating assault, to only discover more of these freakish assaults occurring across the globe.

A chance discovery leads Kailey to a meeting with elderly Gunthreon, actual master of persuasion. Gunthreon, who seems to know too much of Kailey's history for her liking, opens Kailey's eyes to a coexisting realm she never knew existed: Renhala, while entrusting her with the knowledge of her newfound power as karmelean, serving as a beacon to the Higher Ones. Kailey slowly starts revealing new talents, and Gunthreon is fascinated with what she starts achieving.

She soon discovers that Renhala is in danger, and this danger has been leaking into her own realm. As she uncovers secrets within herself, and attempts to toughen up, she fuses with an unlikely band of fellow travelers (including a dragon, woodsprite, six-hundred-pound greble, her faithful female canine companion, and a "giver"), falls into an unexpected love triangle, deals with her sexy and flirtatious best friend’s “issues,” and finds the courage to master a new deadly weapon.

On her mission to save Renhala, Kailey will find herself running from life-threatening disasters, such as greble Tartarin, who likes to remind Kailey that when he catches her, he plans on eating her brains with ice cream; she'll run from the deadly meeples: small cute bunnies with talons and an undeniable thirst for imposing self-destruction on others. Kailey will also run into the possibility that a centuries-old Renhalan rumor is true, that advanced technology existing in Kailey's realm shortens all life spans.

As blood is shed and puzzles near completion, Kailey pulls from deep within herself, conjuring up mystical qualities that enable her to astonish as once predicted at her birth, but despite the newfound strength, Kailey will discover that monsters not only come in ugly packages, but can be easily disguised as those she has come to love and trust.

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About the Author per her Goodreads Profile:

Amy born in Chicago and slept in a dresser drawer for the first few weeks of my life, marking me as a future claustrophobe.

I studied at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana (man I grew up quick), where I became a number, but decided it was a good number.

I now write in my spare time as I eat snacks, making sure they are not in multiples of three. That number makes me nervous.

Connect with Amy:   Goodreads   Google+   Blog  



My Review:

I've been on a fantasy kick lately as far as reviews go. At least it seems that way, LoL.

I love urban fantasy novels. However, this one, because it's so complex, could almost go right into the fantasy category losing the "urban." I understand why it's an urban fantasy though - That's not intended to be a negative comment in this situation. The world & characters are just very complex. I loved the creativity & adored the crazy characters that Amy creates in this novel.

You see the female lead, Kailey, grow up in this novel - maybe grow up is the wrong term. She Matures - that's a better way to put it. She changes from a victim of a horrible attack to a strong lead female character.

When you read the synopsis, you don't get insight into the fact that this novel does hold a romantic aspect along with the action & fantasy world. Definitely a hot read in parts for mature audiences. Lately, I've gotten annoyed with most love triangles. But this one, I liked.  Oh the men... They're, I have to admit, swoonworthy. I want to know how this works out in the end. Definitely can't wait to see where book 2 goes.

I loved the majority of the characters - except Amber >_< Ug that girl got on my nerves. She's supposed to be Kailey's best friend but she's a horrible person. She takes jabs at Kailey on occasion too - I seriously wanted to jump through the book & knock her out. Grrrr.

Overall, really great novel that I think a lot of people would love so the word definitely needs to get out there about this one!


Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Cover Rating: 2 Stars - It's a beautiful image but doesn't necessarily relate to the entire novel to me.
Characters: 4 Stars
Plot: 3.5 Stars
Climax: 3.5 Stars
Ending: 4 Stars

Review: Breaking the Devil's Heart by H.A. Goodman

Breaking the Devil's Heart

Logic of Demons #2

by H. A. Goodman

Fantasy

Published May 4, 2012 by Outskirts Press, Inc.

*Print copy obtained directly from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Synopsis via Goodreads:

When Stewart and Layla recruit a demon to spy on the Devil, their decision takes them on whirlwind ride through the afterlife. Journey alongside this young couple in H. A. Goodman’s new novel, Breaking the Devil’s Heart, and join forces with a teenage Angel outcast to bankrupt Satan's underground Company and save Heaven from civil war. H. A. Goodman's Breaking the Devil’s Heart is a rollercoaster afterlife experience that tests a young couple's love, their grasp on reality, and the essence of human nature. What happens when Stewart and Layla tour Hell’s Marketing Department and Stock Exchange? What happens when their relationship is tested by Satan? This book is unlike anything you’ve ever read, or ever thought the afterlife might be like. Breaking the Devil’s Heart is an enlightening look into an alternate world, a new afterlife, and a profound journey inside the human conscience.

Grab Your Copy:     Amazon    Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

H. A. Goodman is a former financial adviser and high school history teacher who grew up reading comic books and playing Dungeons & Dragons. In 2010, he combined his love for fantasy, science fiction and philosophy to write his debut novel, Logic of Demons: The Quest for Nadine's Soul. As a follow-up to Logic of Demons, H. A. created an even more provocative and thought provoking tale entitled Breaking the Devil's Heart. The latest novel is a whirlwind ride through the afterlife and a journey within the human psyche. The plot utilizes cultural mythology to highlight certain peculiarities of human nature tied inextricably to conflict. The story incorporates world history and a bizarre imagination to create a uniquely dystopian afterlife that is both amusing and frightening. With rave reviews popping up daily, Breaking the Devil's Heart is rapidly growing in popularity throughout the blogosphere. H. A. currently resides in Los Angeles and no longer plays Dungeons & Dragons, although he still loves comic books.

Connect with the Author:  Website



My Review:

Well, I really wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started this novel because up front, you're told it's different than anything you've ever read. Definitely true! 

At first, the novel started a little slow but then it built up more and more. The pace ended up moving at a steady speed for the most part. There were a few moments when I just had to sit it down and come back to it later. I think that's why it took me so long to finish it. The novel is told through Stewart's POV so that's always a breath of fresh air for me. I'm so used to reading novels told from the female lead's perspective. Although, I have to admit, I enjoyed the female lead (Layla) and would've been interested to see a lot more from her perspective to swap it up a bit. 

The author's new spin on hell as a corporation who sells the "formula" is pretty genius - totally the most creative spin on hell I've read in a while. Trying to take down the Devil by any means necessary is the goal...decisions are made quickly because Stewart wants to accomplish his goals and he wants to do it as soon as he can. I think if I would've read this novel too quickly, I would've missed some of the things that were so thought-provoking... thinking about heaven & hell, what would you do in some of the situations, the differences that the actual time period makes... it's interesting to step back and just think.... 

There are a few places where the writing style felt more like I was reading a dictionary of sorts - pretty formal and felt almost apart from the novel, but overall, it wasn't a hindrance. 

Overall a really thought provoking read that I enjoyed but I'm not jumping up and down screaming get it, get it. If you like fantasy and enjoy something a little different then definitely get it. I think the ebook was only $.99 so definitely worth that plus more. 

Can I just say the cover is a work of art??! It's really pretty amazing. That's the first thing that drew me to this novel when I was asked to review it. I'm not really sure about the connection itself with the story but it's such an amazing work of art it almost doesn't matter. LOL 

Overall Rating: 3.5 Stars
Cover Rating: 4 Stars
Characters: 3.5 Stars
Plot: 3.5 Stars
Ending: 3.5 Stars