Burn

It is time to say goodbye to yet another fantastic series. I have to say, I was actually scared of starting the last in this series because I didn't want it to end and break my heart... It didn't break my heart, well it did by ending, but I'm really happy and satisfied with the end we get presented. It's also a series in my favorite themes of all: angels. Without further ado: Burn by Paula Weston. 

Note: This is the last book in a series, if you haven't read the first one, second or third one, I highly recommend NOT to read on. A lot of things will have taken place and changes will be noticed during the review because the story has already advanced. If you are curious, I wrote a review on all the previous books!

Review on Shadows HERE 
Review on Haze HERE
Review on Shimmer HERE

They remember. Both Gaby and Jude now remember everything that has happened before they lost their memories. All the feelings, from love to pain, all come back to smack them across the face. And all that while a threat is hanging right above their heads. Readying for battle, Gaby and Jude have difficulties with adjusting themselves now they remember their pasts. All the bad that has been done to Gaby makes her doubt about the new relationships she has made. But doesn't the past year change things?

Over the course of three books, I've noticed all these changes with the characters. Even with the new ones who only turned up later on in the series! And this time the changes are the biggest ever, especially because the memories have been resurfaced. During the flashbacks in the book, we could even see how big of a change there was between then and now and I absolutely adored to see that.

Especially with Gaby because she's our main character and the girl we follow in this story. Now the memories are back, we see that Gaby is going to have a hard time adjusting, just like Jude. This is something that really made me happy because it'd be ignorant if they just stayed the way they were and acted as if nothing has changed. Gaby's behavior shows such a contrast! I was actually quiet shocked to see that some things were as they had said in the past books. However, this contrast really makes sure that this character will know a huge development through Burn.

The contrast just made sure that Gaby started to feel bad in her skin, because who is she now? Past Gaby or present Gaby? And which one does she prefer. Above readying herself for battle, she'll have a hard time finding back her rhythm and finding out who she really is. This uncertainty in her was something I really absolutely enjoyed seeing because it made her more vulnerable but also a lot stronger in the end. 

Then we have Jude, I don't have a lot to say about him because what I just said about Gaby, also applies to him! I did feel like Jude had a much easier time to adjust only to be knocked down later in the book. He'll also have a moment of vulnerability when the verdict is there, but as always he is very well supported by everyone. Although his adjustment was a bit easier, he has a lot to explain and has a new burden upon his shoulders. I really enjoyed to see how he was going to tackle that as I feel he has had a much easier time remembering and also a much easier time fitting back into the Rephaim life when he found Gaby back.

Then there's Rafa, I feel like we haven't seen that much of him like the books before but still enough to enjoy the life my book boyfriend is living. He has warned Gaby over the course of 3 books that if she remembered, she wouldn't be happy. Now she remembers! That really gives this character a whole new personality trait: insecurity. Also he is wondering which Gaby will be staying and how her reaction will be afterwards. He has a very hard time with believing in forgiveness if she would ever be able to provide that. And also his best friend, Jude, has lied to him before last year which makes him really feel defeated. I really loved to see this change in him, this feeling of not being good enough to have known and not being good enough for Gaby. Of course we'll mostly see his strong attitude and big words, but at some moments these bad feelings of him would shine through and crack his shield which I enjoyed seeing. 

Each of the characters has really shown their weaknesses during this read and their vulnerability. It'll be very well known by the readers as we'll see what has been going down in the past. Now we can compare everything and see how much they have changed. Also their mistakes will be known now, after 3 books and that will add to the feelings they all show. Above that, seeing their insecurities now everything is back really makes them very relatable as we all have known a moment or period where we questioned ourselves and others. 

Before I stop talking about the characters I'd like to just point one thing out about Ez and Zak! I actually really loved these characters in this series: they're very strong, very caring and sweet but their relationship really caught my eye. I felt like in Burn, we even saw it more clearly and they just make me think about Rosalie and Emmett with the intimacy of Jasper and Alice. Am I going crazy?

Since every memory is back, the author will provide the readers with flashback of two important periods that define the characters right now. I was a bit scared in the beginning that the flashbacks would take over the whole plot as they were a big chunks, but I am really relieved to say that that wasn't the case at all. Of course the flashbacks take some space, but the plot of the now will not be shorter or therefore very fast paced to fit into the book. 

The flashbacks provide a lot of answers for the readers and I think that's a great thing in the book because the flashbacks don't give the answer to the greater thing that's happening. A lot will become clear like the relationship between characters, it'll be explained which also makes the readers pick a side: the new one or the old one, based on the new knowledge we know now. Readers will be really satisfied with knowing what actually happened to many years ago and why that made the other Rephaim act the way they did.  However as I already mentioned, we know a lot of new things now but there's still that mystery lurking towards everything we don't know yet like what part of Nathanial is real? What is going on?

When the characters aren't trying to decided who they are and what they want, they're busy with the threat that's coming up next. Nathaniel has been talking a lot about prophecies and the purpose of the Rephaim but is this actually what they'll find out during this fight? They don't know if this was the fight that everyone has been talking about that would happen and that creates a form of uncertainty with the Rephaim. They don't know what's coming their way and if they'll be able to stop it. The tension only becomes thicker because Jude and Gaby need to tell they remember and also tell what happened a year ago, when both disappeared. The camp is already divided between Sanctuary and Outcasts and with the knowledge of Gaby remembering, it brings all Outcasts on a fit because which Gaby is she? 

Eventually the battle does come, whether or not both parties know who to trust and if they want to trust at all and the fight is like we could expect very phenomenal. A lot bigger than all the fights we've seen before and it really brings so much action and thrill for the reader. Especially because the scene is really well described and the vibes that come of the weather and the characters really adds to that. And although I want to go on, I can't because what happens during and after the battle was something huge and just unbelievable. I think this is the part where I have been the most confused and shocked and surprised in this whole series. It's not that I mean the confusion because the author wrote it bad, I mean confusion as in waw this is not what I had expected and this is all new and I need a translator to tell me what on heaven and earth is going on! And that doesn't only mean for the reader, each and every character from Gaby to Daniel to even Nathaniel and so on, will have these mutual feelings. It's just a huge surprise!

The author really goes out with a boom, she gives enough information and enough details to really understand now and to be able to close the series with a beautiful and satisfying ending. What I admired most in the ending really was that even though you know now and even though this really feels like the end, you can still dream a bit further and wonder what will be up next and I really appreciate to have that. I'm not someone who likes open endings, and it's nothing like that but it still gives room for thought and that is something I really like.

Waw, I can't believe that this series has come to an end! Burn is the last part in the series and even though it hurts me that it is, it gives you such a satisfying and beautiful end that the pain lessens! This is the book where we finally get all the answers we've been waiting on for 3 books and I am so surprised and shocked because everything turned out much more different than I and probably many other readers had anticipated. I do have to be honest, I thought that the book was going to be all flashbacks and less plot of the now but I had to re-think about that. The plot isn't only flashbacks which I really appreciate, it's a nice balance between the now and then and really gives more food for thought. The readers themselves will be able to find out the truth and make conspiracy theories alongside the characters while absorbing the feels. The characters are once again amazing and have known such a big development through the series, I can't be anything but absolutely happy and satisfied! This series is really a huge recommendation! 

“Pride. Blame. Longing. Truth."

Shimmer

Hello third book of a series! I can't be more happy after reading this one. I'm as well as shocked as curious as surprised as anything really! I'm talking about the third book in The Rephaim series: Shimmer by Paula Weston. We all know I've got a soft spot for angels and demons, so all books like this tend to find a way to my heart somehow.

Note: This is a third in a series, if you haven't read the first one or second one for that matter, I highly recommend NOT to read on. A lot of things will have taken place and changes will be noticed during the review because the story has already advanced. If you are curious, I wrote a review on the first book Shadows HERE and a review on Haze (the second book) HERE. 

With Rafa and Taya being abducted by the demons, the division between the sanctuary and the outcasts turn to a whole new level. Both want their friends desperately back but with Nathaniel breathing down their necks it's not so simple. Some think they should be patient and wait but others don't want their friends to be murdered while waiting this one out. Above that Jude being alive like Gaby creates a whole bunch of new questions and rumors. Their arrival doesn't go unnoticed and drives some Rephaim crazy. All comes to an edge when a very special package arrives at the sanctuary...

Holy bookangels and bookgods! This book just goes to a whole new level and I can't even describe how excited I was during the read. Obviously all things are different now Jude or as Nathaniel likes to call him Judah is alive and things went down at the end of book two, Haze. It made sure Jude and the other outcasts needed to retrieve to the Sanctuary where the first division was caused by Jude himself.

It was very enjoyable to see this new light shine in the book and it's a spotlight direct at Jude himself. Obviously, we got a glimpse of him in Haze but not enough to know how he was and if he differs a lot with Gaby. Through the book we do see and notice that he handles things a lot easier than Gaby did and is easier with getting habits back to being as easy as it was before. Readers will be able to enjoy to see this contrast between him and his twin sister, Gaby, who wasn't calm and relaxed when she got to hear what she really was.

Talking about Gaby, also her character takes a huge turn with this book. I always found her a very brave character. Eventually she had to roll with what she was and with knowing it. Although in Haze she isn't the one to really step in out of her own will, I still thought she did a great job. In Shimmer this all becomes much bigger. She lost one of her truest friends, Rafa, to a demon who's out for blood. This causes her to be more of a leader than we've seen in the last two books. It's amazing to see this change and to see her step up her game all because she can't afford to lose yet another one of her friends now Jude is back. 

Now Rafa is out of the picture for a while, we also get a much clearer view on how the twins are with each other. After being introduced to each other and see the other one isn't dead, we knew their bond was really close. Even before Jude came into the picture this was known. Now they're back together and they'll fight together to get their friend back and it's amazing to see this. Their bond is maybe even stronger than it was before, but we don't know that for certain since we don't know much about their pasts. Aside from the both of them supporting each other and help the other one out in times of need. This bond is a great asset to this book! 

Can we also just talk about Nathaniel for just a few seconds. Waw. I should give him a standing ovation and I really mean that. This character has brought so many of my feelings to the surface it's fantastic. I'm really happy to get a better look onto this character, especially because we know so little about him and how he rules over the Rephaim. It's a great asset, in my opinion, to get to know him better. Especially because we don't really know who's side he's on and if he has his own agenda. Be prepared to meet all sides of this characters and to be mind blown with feels about him. 

Also about the characters, I can really sleep on both ears because there are so many Rephaim we finally get to know better. I was really excited to switch camps and get a closer look onto characters of the Sanctuary. It just show us more about these creatures and how they feel about the division. Of course it doesn't always need to be about the division and we get to know them for who they really are and what relationship they had with Gaby before things went down. 

As for the plot, it was as great as it is each time. We still have the house in Iowa we need to discover more about but there's also Rafa and Taya being abducted, Jude and Gaby who don't remember their past. So many things are happening and you still have so many questions that require an answer.

Do not fear my fellow booklovers! This book is all about providing answers on your questions. That's what I loved most about this book. Especially because the characters will come up with more questions you didn't even think about before, but are actually pretty important to know. It's played out very well and written very carefully not to spoil too much yet but enough to make you sit back and wonder a bit longer. 

Also we finally get a perspective on the division between the Outcasts and the Sanctuary. We know that the Rephaim are divided, it's not a secret. With Rafa being from the Outcasts and Taya being from the Sanctuary we obviously hit a whole new world where division is the best word to describe the affair. Readers will be really keen on seeing this played out during the story. Especially because there's a lot of history between the two and a lot of unresolved problems they want to resolve now... but not always with the sitting down and talking about it-method. Can you already guess? 

This will cause a lot of rumors about one another but also cause a lot of old friendships to come under the attention of the reader. We'll get to know some of the history and that's a great asset to the book. Above that, both parties will have to come with a plan for getting their friends Taya and Rafa back. The only question is if they're prepared to bury the hatchet to do so. This book therefore also has a lot of tension, anger, fury, rows, fighting, lies and action in it that's alternated with loving, caring feelings and sweet memories.

In the end we'll all be shocked by how much they have grown or not with what's all happening and if they can do this together. But a lot of questions will arise and this leads to another division we wouldn't see coming from even a mile away. 

If you've been waiting on some surprise in this series, I can promise you you will be surprised. Big time. And not really a small thing but something I didn't even see coming and thought about twice if it could be true. So be prepared for something big and freaking amazing, fantastic, unseen in this series, (and yes, a lot more feelings can be placed here because I was absolutely SHOCKED!). 

As for the past of Jude and Gaby we still don't get a light on this and therefore are still in the dark as the characters themselves. I did wish to get to know a bit of it but I'm also very patient since the plot was already filled with a lot of other important moments and because we're provided answers to many questions. So I am definitely not disappointed by it! I just hope the last book will give a clear answer to this part too.

I guess we can really say that this was a mind blowing book. The new character that shows up knows how to stir things up as well as show what he got. Also the bond between the characters will be taken into detail which I really appreciated. Other Rephaim we didn't know a lot of, come into the picture and this causes the characters to make a whole new turn for the better. The plot was, as always, amazingly written! It has action, revelations, tears, suspicion and much more feels which makes it a very moving plot that won't bore you at all. The division between the Rephaim is also explained and taken into the light which readers can be really keen on. And new questions will arise when unpredictable things happen and takes the reader by shock! An absolute recommendation to everyone who's already busy with this series!

“past year—I stop, remember to breathe. Let it go.” 

Haze

Finally! It's time to review a book about angels. You all know how much I love books with those kind of people, and finally I've read a second part in a book series of angels. I'm talking about the book Haze by Paula Weston. Even though I said in my review of Shadows that it wasn't the best angels themed book I read, this one surprised me and does make things a lot more interesting than first. 

Note: This is a second in a series, this means changes and developments have been happening. I recommend you not to read on in this review, since you might know more than you should. If you are interested in this series or want to read the first book, I wrote a review on Shadows that you can find HERE. 

Now Gaby knows she's different from what she first thought, she still struggles with not knowing enough. Unable to remember her old life, Gaby is touching in the dark. People who know her, are mad at her, hate her or want her to tell them what she was doing one year ago. And Demons are hunting her down because also they want her. The only constant in her life is Rafa, who keeps his own secrets and doesn't let loose anything about their past together. But the biggest thing she can't comprehend is that her twin brother might be alive...

This book was even more entertaining than the first book in this series was. Not only because we see such a big difference with the characters but also because it's even more suspenseful and filled with more action and an amazing plot twist at the end! 

First of, Gaby. Last time around, I said she had a temper and even though it often shines through her character she's also a lot more calm and composed. The fact that her twin brother, Jude, might be alive makes us see a whole other Gabe. The one that doesn't grieve any more. However we do see that Gaby is having a hard time with finding hope and believing in it. I loved to see that in her character! 

She's also very insecure. Gaby now knows what she is but she still thinks too much about what she is and isn't capable of and this leads to frustration with herself and others being frustrated with her. Speaking of the others, the others make her feel insecure too because they're very hard on her whenever they see her. They all want to know what she was doing with her brother one year ago but Gaby doesn't remember anything. She doesn't even remember those people. This will lead to anger and frustration, but people also hold past events above her head. This is another thing that will make her vulnerable. Especially when she'll be able to compare herself with others. 

As for Rafa, I love that guy! He cares so much for Gaby and is her only constant in her life. The thing I loved to see in this character is that he's sweet and wants to make Gaby feel better about herself. Although this means he also keeps things from her that happened between them in the past. When Gaby doesn't want this, he does lose his temper and we see a glimpse of the old Rafa. Yet he'll do anything to help her and support her which I adore about this character. We now see the soft side of Rafa, although he won't disappoint us when he needs to come in action! 

I'd love to talk about another character too, but I've just decided not to. Only because I want you guys to find out for yourself! I do want to say that I loved the characters because they bring a lot of action and emotions in the book. There'll be passion, tension between loved ones, hard and sad moments but also a lot of action and toughness. For short: the characters didn't disappoint.

As for the plot, the action was on point and there! It's not that we only get action at the end of the book, no! We get more and this differs from fights against demons to fights in a bar so we get to see various fights but all of them created action and I lived for those moments.

If there isn't any action, they're busy with finding clues to where Jude might be or there are some very tension filled, drama, caring moments between my absolute ship! I absolutely ship Gaby and Rafa! Absolutely! So I really lived for the moments where they tried to soothe each other and make each other laugh, but I also loved the moments where they were angry at each other and tried to make up for it later on. This is me hoping  that my ship will become reality... I was keen on the fact that the action was alternated with soft, caring and filled with feels parts. 

Their friendship will also go to a whole new level, especially now they want to find Jude. Jude is important for the both of them so the plot will now take a very interesting turn on the twin brother. In my last review, on the first book, I said I wanted to know more about Jude. I guess the Bookgods have heard my prayers and they have responded to me! Yes, information about Jude will come at us and it won't be a few sentences! 

Other important things in the plot that I really loved was a closer look at the division between the Rephaim. It sorted a few things out that we might've been questioning before or that we started questioning in this book. It also made us see differences and how Gaby must've responded in the past and see her respond to things now. Meeting with both parts of the division and meeting new characters made this a very pleasant thing in the plot.

And of course, what are angels without Demons? NOTHING! This book will go even more in detail on Demons and we'll get to know more species of Demons which I enjoyed. Especially because there's something the Demons want to have very badly and none of them are ready to give it. Ever. 

Lastly, I want to underscore that there are a few plot twists in it. Not only at the ending, which by the way was such a surprise! Also with a few weird characters that'll be new in this book, there'll be a huge discovery which I got very excited about. Above that people from the past will be coming around and the news they bring is very, very mysterious. Plot twists are always an asset to a book in my opinion so I was happy! 

Overall, this book was better than the first. Not only did the characters show us their soft side, they also showed us yet again how strong they are and what they're capable of. They support each other and try to find the truth to the memory loss of Gaby and the loss of Jude. The book will take some interesting turns that will make sure you want the second book! The plot is very strong and takes turns in action and sentimental, caring moments between the characters. The division between the Rephaim and the Demons will also get a very big part in the book which I really was keen on because it gave us answers and new questions. This book never bored me, I couldn't put it down! I can't wait for more... I need more! By the way, I do recommend this series! 

"Because I'm not smart enough to give up, and you don't know how to."

Sweet Evil

I think it is about time that I review one of my favorite Angel-alike stories! Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins. Last September we even got all three books of this trilogy in the perspective of the main male character, I couldn't have been happier!

Sweet Anna Whitt always has been special. She senses the emotions of others, sees their colors. Yet she doesn't see it as something special, more as something that makes her crazy. She also can't deny the pull she feels towards danger, but tries to avoid it at all costs. That is until she meets Kaiden Rowe and is pulled  in a whole new world. Secrets are revealed and Anna starts to question who she really is. Together with bad boy Kaiden she tries to find out. Forced to face her destiny, will Anna choose her halo or her horns?

First of all, I was enchanted by the cover. I just loved the colors and the dress, the darker and more mysterious background. I was pulled toward this book, as Anna is being pulled to danger. 

In the beginning of the story I was really curious to where this might lead. The first impression I got from Anna was that she's a really smart and nice girl. She doesn't like lying, she doesn't like to be a bad person and feels guilty. I liked that part about her, many stories concentrate on a good girl but in Anna I really saw a very good girl. Anna's character is quiet and reserved, but very loyal and protective. Though many times in the book other characters tell her she has a naive side. She's quiet the innocent girl! I was very curious to how she'd respond to danger she might get faced with or if she'd get onto the wrong path. But mainly how this would all influence her feelings and behavior. 

Also her special gift intrigued me immediately. I love stories with characters that can sense the emotions of others by their color. It just makes it so much more fun to read because the people can try and show you that they're upset while that character with the gift then can see that that person is only pretending and is actually feeling differently. These gifts will bring some difficulties with them in the story and I was very keen on it. 

As for Kaiden Rowe, he got me immediately. I fell in love with this character from the first moment Anna sees him. He just seems so interesting yet impossible! He's pretending to be so tough but I felt like there was more to this character than only just that. 

Though I didn't really know what I had to expect of his intentions. I was constantly doubting if he was a good guy or a bad one. He's a boy your daddy warns you about, I wished I was warned! This guy plays with the reader's heart, a lot. But I was a great fan of this character too because he had various sides that we can explore in the book! 

Another character that I thought was great was Anna's adoption mother, Patti. She was just such a lovely character! The whole adoption aspect will be explained briefly in the book but that's not really what captured me with Patti. She just represented such a lovely, soft and caring person. She really sees the best in everyone and wants to give everyone a chance, she feels guilty very easily. And Patti wants the best for Anna too, which sometimes gives you doubts if she feels okay herself. She just puts everyone first and then herself, I really respected her for that! 

The story itself never was boring. Of course there's quiet some mystery around everything, it all gets explained really well and you won't be left with questions toward aspects. For me, this book kept surprising me with juicy as well as funny moments in the book. 

It does concentrate a lot on Anna and Kaiden which also made it quiet interesting to where this might lead. Anna is the innocent one but Kaiden, he's different. This leads to colliding characters, impossible moments but also very protective and caring ones. Wendy Higgins really gives you a varied book that doesn't has repetitions, it's never boring. She kept me entertained! 

And it has a lot of feels. This is why it kept my attention too, I just felt so much during this book and enjoyed reading every word in it. The end does make you crave for the second book! I couldn't wait to read more about Anna and to see how she would further develop in her journey to the truth as well as righteousness! But I also was very interested in how the other character would develop, like Kaiden. That guy I swear, he gets under your skin and really grows on you! So you are warned. 

This whole book gets under your skin and grows on you. If you're looking for a funny yet some mysterious read then I highly recommend the Sweet Evil-trilogy by Wendy Higgins! It keeps your attention because it gives you a lot of variation but also because of the feels and characters. You really can connect with the main characters and eventually they'll be in your head constantly. You just want to know more, which keeps you reading on. And I can already tell you that the second and third book are spectacular! So go buy the book, you won't regret it if you're into Angel-Demon-alike books!



"Embrace the forbidden" 

Shadows

A few days ago, I said that there's a new angel series I was beginning. It's also the first book I was going to read in the month February, which means I'm being on track with my TBR-list! I'm really excited about this first in a series: Shadows by Paula Weston. 

Gaby's life has changed because of her twin brother. She's entangled with grief and nightmares about Jude dying, about demons and angels fighting and an unknown good looking guy helping her. She tries to run from it all, but always gets stranded at the beach being reminded of her brother. A year later, she's still living there and the nightmares keep hunting her. 
It isn't until the unknown mysterious guy appearing in a bar, that her nightmares stop. But so does her reality... Together with this guy comes a whole new world, and whole new truths. Everything she believed might have been a lie. Gaby is confused in what and who she has to believe but there isn't much time to negotiate with herself because the hunting season has been opened. Everyone is hunting one person down, who was supposed to be dead and her name is: Gaby. 

This book wasn't as good as other angel series I've read, I have to be honest about it. But it still left such a great impression on me! For me the Sweet Evil and Hush Hush series will always be the best but I did enjoy this one a lot too! 

Let's just start with our main character Gaby. Gaby is feeling lost without her twin brother, Jude, who died in the accident. Every night she wakes up because she relived it through a nightmare but it isn't all she dreams. She sees demons, a mysterious guy and herself fighting. She just feels like it's the grief that's doing this to her. She's seeking for closure but doesn't find any and that makes her character a little irritated as well as sad. I was keen on seeing that in her, the realistic aspects of grief. 


But it seems like all is a lie when the good looking guy of her nightmares comes to see her. He tells her she's not who she thinks she is is, he tells her she's from a whole other world and Gaby declares him insane. What I loved most about this part was that both characters were irritated by each other. We had already established the fact that Gaby has a temper but this other character isn't the tame one himself. This causes an irritated but funny (at times) dialogue. Soon there's danger roaming around and Gaby doesn't have a choice but try and trust this mysterious guy...

Speaking of this mysterious guy, the first time I met him in this book I was also convinced he was a stupid bastard. He just says something that irritated me and made me think of Daemon from the Lux-series, as well as Kai from the Sweet Evil-series. I was irritated by Rafa, he had an ego and what he said wasn't something I was fond of! But those were only the feels speaking so no harm done! 

Rafa is one of Jude's friends, or so he says. There's still a big mystery around this character and even at the end of the book I was still feeling unsatisfied about it. We don't get to know that much about Rafa but I hope that the many questions I have about him will be answered in the following book! As I said, he wasn't really kind in the beginning. He has an ego and a temper, I felt like he was a lot like Gaby. But I do see the biggest development in his character, there comes a moment where we see glimpses of his other side! And man, was I happy about that... 

The only remark I have according to the characters is that I wished there was more about Jude. Of course there are memories being told and things being said about him but I still feel like he's one big question mark. I hope the other books will take care of that part though! 

The plot started out a little slow to my taste but after that, it goes some quicker. The last 200 pages were the best ones to me because they had the most action and there we get to know this so called 'other world' even better. It has a lot of action that is for sure, but there's also a lot of suspicion... 

This because many come for Gaby and want to take her. We don't know who they are, they barely introduce themselves but it does awakes the reader's senses. What if one of them was the one who messed with Gaby's memories? Because that's the greatest question of it all. Gaby doesn't remember anything, she thinks she lives another life but it's all built on lies. 

Throughout the story there comes more mystery to one character in particular and I was such a great fan of him in the beginning! Yet he disappointed me towards the ending. But I do ship him with another character and I just hope he gives a turn to his character! 

Another aspect I really liked in this book was that in this new world, the world was also very divided. And because of that there were so many sides to this story. Some believed this part while others believes in a whole other truth. It was like also the reader was supposed to take a side. I was fond of that! 

The plot wasn't only thrilling or a mystery with many questions, it was also very funny. Many characteristics collide with one an other and that gave me a total amused smile. I even laughed out loud! So it isn't all seriousness in this book. But the biggest surprise is yet to come at the ending! 

This book was as good as I had expected it. I enjoyed it really a lot! This was also the first book I've read by this author and it left a great impression on me. If you're looking for a good bit of mystery with colliding characters, this is a fantastic read to begin with! Also this cover from the pictures is way more beautiful than the one Goodreads suggested to my opinion. I can't wait for the second part in this series! I've already read a preview that you get with the first book and it looks smoking good! Oh and if it wasn't all that clear yet, I recommend this book to everyone who likes books based on angels and demons!

“Love. Nightmares. Angels. War.” 

TBR of February

January has been a very productive month! I've read some more than in other months and that's a good thing! Sadly, I didn't read one of my TBR books I wanted to read in January: Bloodlines. So that book also comes in my TBR of the month! Also there's another Book Challenge which you can find: here 

Shadows by Paula Weston
The first book I want to talk about is Shadows by Paula Weston. I've had my eyes on this book for a while because I hope it's about angels. I think we've established it by now: I'm an Angel VS. Demon girl, I can't live without my flying creatures... 

Yet I feel like I already have read most of the good series about Angels and Demons! So I didn't want to start this series until I finished the series by Susan EE (Penryn and the end of days series). One angel-alike series at a time, Erica... 
So Yes, I can finally start this book and I hope it'll be as good as I have imagined and heard of. It has really good scores on Goodreads: a 4 out of 5 stars! 

It's about a girl who has lost her twin brother and tries to get closure but then... there comes a boy she's been dreaming of since that one tragic day, and he doesn't leave her life untouched. For a matter of fact, he turns her whole world, build on what was for her the truth, upside down. He ruins all for her by telling things about her brother and about herself. She doesn't know what to believe while she get's thrown in a whole new world. 

Doesn't that sound exciting? I'm also very curious to the author's writing style because I've never read any book by her. I did hear great things about her so yeah, I can't wait to dive in! 

Also if anybody has series about Angels, please, please leave it in the comments or contact me. I'm in need of more series about flying people that look beautifully unreal! 

GOODREADS

“Most stories are based on something real.” 

Did I Mention I Love You? by Estelle Maskame

Another new author for me is Estelle Maskame. I came across this books while I was, as usual, checking out some books that I maybe wanted to read. And then I saw this, look. at. that. cover! Just look at it! It looks beautiful and so promising! But the plot does look good too...

The main female character goes spend the summer with her father and new family. Which means getting to know her 3 new step-brothers! And that doesn't really goes as planned. One of them has the biggest ego she's ever seen and speaking of an irritated mood... His friends show our female character around while he only tries to avoid her. What's his problem? And how does our female character feel about it? 

These questions hopefully will be answered in this book! I can't wait really, it seems such a feels-book and this cover. God, I just can't wait! I just... NEED! It's also a trilogy so I'm expecting a lot of feels and maybe even an open end. I'm really curious to where this book might lead. 

GOODREADS

"Who the hell is this jackass?"

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins 
A while ago I read the first book in this trilogy, for the first time. So It's really time for me to read the second book in this series! I'm always curious to what similarities I'm going to find but also which differences in comparison with the film!

There isn't really much more to tell about this book because I'm pretty sure, we all know what this is about!  

GOODREADS

“I wish I could freeze this moment, right here, right now and live in it forever.” 

And that ladies and gentleman, is my TBR-list for February! But I'm not so sure if I'll be able to follow this one because there are exciting releases coming this month! Such as THE POWER by Jennifer L. Armentrout and GLASS SWORD by Victoria Aveyard. Those are two books, I'm personally even more excited about because the first ones in these series were both SO, SO good! Are there any releases you guys are excited for?

End of days

On my TBR list was also the end of this Angelfall-series: End of days by Susan EE. Can we all take a minute to listen to what I have to say? I declare this book, the best of all 3 books in this trilogy! I am so happy that my friend Fien recommended this amazing Trilogy!

Penryn is worried to what has happened to her sister. As she sets off in search of answers, a startling revelation about the past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all. Both humans and angels are in danger and both are trying to run from what might happen. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? The human race might even become nothing more than history while the Angels are debating what to do next. Also Penryn feels that the end of days is nearing but she also must choose: Run or run toward her own kind and fight with them one last time? 

This review won't be very long only because I feel like I can only spoil things. It's the conclusion to this trilogy and I don't think I wanted that! It's the end people, it's done now I've read this but I can tell you that this is the best Angel-alike series that I have read in a very, very long time. And the book went out with a bang! 

The characters are still the same. We still have the very strong Penryn and her fighting skills, which I still adore! Her fighting skills and instinct to stay alive and find her sister really made this an unique read. I like it when authors use strong women that don't always need help from others. Penryn is therefore the best idol for many teenagers, well at least she is for me! 

I did miss her mom a bit in the beginning! When she finally came during some parts I was totally freaked out because her mom was acting crazy. In the other books she either was absent or more lovable but here she was a mix of all kind of things. I still love her mother though! She might have been crazy at times (in either a positive or negative way, I let you fill in the dots) but I did like it that she was part of this book. In many other books the parents are always absent going on 'trips'. Her mother really contributed to the story, although that's how I see it. 

As for her sister Paige, she really surprised me in this book. When I thought she was going to go as crazy as her mother because there are crazy times, she did it differently. I can't go into detail too much but let's just say I did like her. 

The angels... they were as perfect as always! This might be by angel-obsessed side talking now... But next to my crazy side, I've felt many emotions. The plot was amazing and the end battle as they call it was... Stunning. Amazing. Beautiful. I can't use one word to describe it and yes, the end really left me speechless! 

I think it's clear that I really, really recommend this book to everyone who wants strong characters and an emotional, thrilling loaded plot! I can't believe this is the end though... It's over you know, I need to find another book series with Angels because it's over. I wish there were more books in this series but then again at some point it must get to an end! This series gave it all to me, I'm glad I read it! Thanks Fien for recommending! 

“Power is best held by the ones who don’t want it.” 

Shout out!

So this is going to be an all new kind of blog post! And it has to do with my book challenge for today, which is "Bookmarks". You might have seen that I don't have the normal printed bookmarks as I used to... That all has to do with my mother!

My mom is an artist and makes many projects on a very creative manner. She uses all kinds of markers, paper, stamps and is even a member of various designteams. Maybe one you might now is Kuretake! Since my challenge told me to make a picture with a bookmark, I challenged her to make me another one due to today! 

I told her that I'd love one with black and that black and gold are in a marriage. As she and you guys already know, I'm a huge fan of books with angels and demons in it. Mainly the 'wing' part to the characters and she has a lot of stamps with beautiful angel wings! 

That said and done she made me this beautiful bookmark with black feathers and gold specks: 

She outdone herself again! If you want to know how she has made this beautiful bookmark go to her blog: http://acoloredmind.blogspot.be/ or directly to the blog post that handles this subject: Shout out to...  

She also has other tutorials on how to make very creative and beautiful things such as cards for birthdays or other occasions. So make sure to go check on her blog: HERE and show your creative side! She also joined Instagram a while ago so make sure to go and follow her there to see the beautiful pictures she makes with her projects: INSTAGRAM 

Voor de Belgen en Nederlanders onder ons, mijn mama geeft ook verschillende workshops met de verschillende producten die ze gebruikt. Als je zin hebt om je creatieve kantje te tonen, binnenkort is er een workshop in Wommelgem! Voor meer informatie KLIK HIER, maar ook voor You Do (Schleiper) doet ze workshops, ga dus zeker eens een kijkje nemen op haar blog! Je kan haar ook vragen om een workshop te geven door haar te contacteren. 

TBR of January

First of all I want to wish everybody a happy (late) new year! I hope this year will bring you both joy and happiness, a good health and I hope all your dreams may come true! And of course, why not wish a year full of books?! 
With Christmas passing by and New year that just happened, I got some new books. I still have around 10 books to read and I already pre-ordered other books. Anyone who might be on Goodreads knows that there is a 'book challenge' and also this year I'm participating. 

Last year I said I'd read 20 books because I just started to enjoy reading again and who knows, maybe it was just a bypassing hobby? But it wasn't! So I went up to 40 books and at the end of 2015 I read 65 books. This year I'll start with 30 books because I feel like this year will be very busy. We'll see where it'll be heading? What about you guys, how many books would you like to have read at the end of 2016? 


The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson 

The first book that I'll read in the year 2016 is The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. I really wanted this book so badly! The cover is stunning and the Dutch hardcover even has a special feeling to it! Sadly, there are no hardcovers with this cover but I really wanted to read the book in English. I already started in this book and to be fair, I don't mind that it's not a hardcover. I'm enjoying this book a lot! And it's also very 'floppy' so easy to read. For the people who don't understand what I mean with floppy, the book'll just lay open without you having to hold it open... Does that make things clearer?So thanks mom and dad for the present!

Basically it's about a girl that has lost her sister and is grieving. She finds comfort with her sister's boyfriend but on the other hand, the new boy in town brings her something else she needs. She's torn between those two boys and her own sadness that she doesn't know what to do.

I'm also already picking a side. Does anybody have that too? When there are two boys involved, you pick a side and hope they'll end up together but then might change your mind because why not? For me it won't be the sister's boyfriend... It's not that I don't like him because what I can see now, they really find comfort with each other which I think is what they both really need. The new boy though, has something special that I can't describe yet. But I'm really curious how this story will develop itself! 

Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Next on my TBR list is the third book in the Covenant Series. I've been putting it on hold for a long time and I honestly don't know why. It may be because I feel I'll be torn in this book between two boy sides.

This series is about gods and goddesses and an extraordinary girl. And as in every book there is the boy she loves but can't have! 

I don't want to talk about it too much because it's the third book and it'll spoil so much! I do have a review on the first book which you can find here: Half-blood. I recommend the series and to be really honest, I recommend almost every book by Jennifer L. Armentrout because they're always thrilling, they have romance and funny bits in them. Her writing style is very fluently and I never manage to put the book down once I start in it! 


End of Days by Susan EE
I uploaded a review on the second book in this trilogy two days ago. And this month it's time to say goodbye to this series by reading the last book. I hope it'll be good but I think it'll be even better than that! I enjoyed the first book a lot because of the characters really.

The characters aren't helpless in this angel apocalypse. For example the main character, Penryn, she's strong and knows how to handle all sorts of weapons. She'll go to the end of the world to find her sister and there isn't a moment where she stops and cries. She goes out there, steps into war to go find Paige because she means everything to her. It's thrilling and mind blowing! 

The second book was even better than that, because there were still developments in the way the characters behave which I was very fond of! So, very curious to were this ending will lead... I've got all sorts of hopes and dreams according to this book!  

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Another present, one that I got from my niece! I've never read any books by this author but I have heard really great things about her. If I'm not mistaking, she wrote Vampire Academy and those books have already been recommended to me. 

I don't really know what to expect from it because I have a feeling this is about vampires and I've never read any book that had vampires in it. This is what the back says: 

Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist - one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiences in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside - and within - the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

So yes, I'm looking forward to read this book! Mostly because it's something 'new' and something to be excited about. 
And for the moment these are the only books that I'll start in January. I don't know how busy this month will be but if it's calm (which I'm hoping on) I'll read: Finding Sky by Joss Stirling, Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and another book by Jandy Nelson but only if there is time for that!