Spotlight Review: Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler (thoughts)

Spotlight Reviews are my way of playing catch up. I read and didn't review a ton of of books from last year that I always wanted to share my thoughts on. These reviews will be short and sweet with just my basic thoughts and are my way of "catching up".

From Goodreads:

"Living in small town Rockabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn't quite fit in with so-called normal society. During her nightly, clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean, a grisly find leads Jane to startling revelations about her heritage: she is only half-human.

Now, Jane must enter a world filled with supernatural creatures alternatively terrifying, beautiful, and deadly- all of which perfectly describe her new "friend," Ryu, a gorgeous and powerful vampire.

It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: a dog can heal with a lick; spirits bag your groceries; and whatever you do, never-ever rub the genie's lamp."

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this beginning to a new urban fantasy series. Jane is such a great main character and she really made this book that much better in my opinion. She is a little unsure of herself and inexperienced but always up for a challenge. And what a challenge it is as she is drawn into the middle of a deadly mystery where her heritage (she is considered to be a halfing meaning half human and half supernatural) plays a huge role in those that are dying. This book was a fun read filled with humerous moments. My only problem with the book was the instant dislike to Jane's new boyfriend Ryu that I developed. I just don't care for him and had problems figuring out why Jane is so enamored with him. The mystery aspect of the story was really good and I was constantly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Overall, I thought that this book was a wonderful beginning to a new series and I was instantly ready to rejoin Jane's world in the next book. Recommended!

Disclosure: I read this book last year but I'm 98% positive that I checked that out from the library. It was a good choice!

Spotlight Review: Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde (thoughts)

Spotlight Reviews are my way of playing catch up. I read and didn't review a ton of of books from last year that I always wanted to share my thoughts on. These reviews will be short and sweet with just my basic thoughts and are my way of "catching up".

From Goodreads:

"Part social satire, part romance, part revolutionary thriller, Shades of Grey tells of a battle against overwhelming odds. In a society where the ability to see the higher end of the color spectrum denotes a better social standing, Eddie Russet belongs to the low-level house of Red and can see his own color-but no other. The sky, the grass, and everything in between are all shades of grey, and must be colorized by artificial means."

My Thoughts:

This book was one of my top ten reads last year which should tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I kept the synopsis short and sweet because I think that you should go into this book knowing as little as possible. Because it made the reading experience that much more enjoyable for me. Fforde is a talented author that has created such an intricate world...I was caught up within the pages of this book instantly. I loved the important role that colors played in this book and the way that the author incorporated colors throughout the story. The ending left me feeling very surprised and wanting more. I'm not sure when the second book comes out but I will be picking it up as soon as it does. Highly recommended!

Disclosure: I checked this book out from the library last year at some point.